Fifty Plus (50+) - Mounting the bike on a bus

I've been thinking it might be fun to get to some places by bus, then riding the bike, and then returning by bus rather than using my car to transport the bike. How do those bike racks on the front work?

I'm sure it's probably pretty simple but I don't want to look like a doofus (let me rephrase -- MORE of a doofus) and hold up everyone while I figure it out.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b1/Octa-bikerack.jpg/180px-Octa-bikerack.jpg

Kinkey!

Check your local bus company website.

A few of our local buses have racks. A guy at work brings his bike in on the bus some mornings (dark & cold) and rides his bike back home in the afternoon when conditions are better. A good idea if you're near the bus route, which I'm not.

They have a website on how to mount the bike, I was going to post a link, but the site is down.

Maybe it will be up later http://www.ci.knoxville.tn.us/kat/web%20pages/General%20Info/Bike&Ride.asp

Edit: Just noticed your location. Pitcairn Island? Photos please!

Those KAT racks look similiar to the one on our buses which I
have been reluctant to try for the same reason as yourself.
You are not alone.

From http://rgrta.com/RideTheBus/Default.aspx#BikeRacks

How to Use the Bike Racks

Bike racks are available on every RTS bus. They are a great option for commuters or recreational cyclists.

1. Place your bike on it’s kickstand on the ground in front of the bus.

2. Firmly grasp the silver handle located in the center of the bike rack and squeeze until the rack releases.

3. Lower the rack to the open position

4. Place your bike into one of the tire slots.

5. Pull the padded tension bar out and over one of the bike tires and place the tension bar on top of the bike tire.

6. Make sure the bike is firmly in place and board the bus.

7. To remove, simply lift the tension bar up and return to the stow position. Then remove your bike.

Thanks tsl.

Drat, another excuse for not commuting all shot to h***.
DG, I guess it's time we started expanding our range with the bikes.

Thanks tsl.

Drat, another excuse for not commuting all shot to h***.
DG, I guess it's time we started expanding our range with the bikes.

I agree, and I live right by a bus stop. It's not that I can't take it by car, but it feels more responsible to use public transportation once in a while.

DG, while on my way to work in the morning, I see a lot of people with bikes waiting for the bus. One morning, I saw a guy put his bike on the front of the bus and get in the bus with such speed that I couldn't believe it. It obviously wasn't his first attempt, but it seemed to take less than 10 seconds before he himself was on the bus.

Do not ride your heaviest bike that day and don't leave anything attached that could fall or jiggle off. Keep an eye on it, too, as some have been stolen off the rack. Be sure to tell the driver when you are ready to get off that you are getting your bike. Be sure to put the rack up when you are done.

Lastly, don't forget your bike completely! :p

1. Place your bike on it’s kickstand on the ground in front of the bus.

2. Firmly grasp the silver handle located in the center of the bike rack and squeeze until the rack releases.

3. Lower the rack to the open position

4. Place your bike into one of the tire slots.

5. Pull the padded tension bar out and over one of the bike tires and place the tension bar on top of the bike tire.

6. Make sure the bike is firmly in place and board the bus.

7. To remove, simply lift the tension bar up and return to the stow position. Then remove your bike.

8. Board bus and pay fare

9. Take Seat.

10. Listen for "ka-thump" as bus drives over your bike, which had fallen off of the rack.

I do this all the time...the bikes DO NOT fall off the racks..lol.

But seriously, people do forget them all the time...and it's a good idea to "remind" the sometimes distracted drivers that you are going to be taking your bike off...

I just asked the bus driver the first time I used the bike rack. Sometimes it pays to have no pride.:)

I've been thinking it might be fun to get to some places by bus, then riding the bike, and then returning by bus rather than using my car to transport the bike. How do those bike racks on the front work?

I'm sure it's probably pretty simple but I don't want to look like a doofus (let me rephrase -- MORE of a doofus) and hold up everyone while I figure it out.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b1/Octa-bikerack.jpg/180px-Octa-bikerack.jpg

You put the bike on the rack................and then YOU get on the bus.

Do not ride your heaviest bike that day and don't leave anything attached that could fall or jiggle off. Keep an eye on it, too, as some have been stolen off the rack. Be sure to tell the driver when you are ready to get off that you are getting your bike. Be sure to put the rack up when you are done.

Lastly, don't forget your bike completely! :p

DUH!!

I have happily used NCTD's bike racks over the years.

I agree, and I live right by a bus stop. It's not that I can't take it by car, but it feels more responsible to use public transportation once in a while.

Yes, TSL's instructions were just about right. On our buses the center handle is yellow not silver and the bars to go around the tire have plastic hooks instead of padding, but the steps are pretty much the same. Combining buses and bikes is good. One of the factors affecting my purchase of my Bacchetta Giro 20 recumbent was that it had to be able to fit into a bus bike rack.

It's great when you have to arrive to a business meeting fresh, and you want to ride home.

You put the bike on the rack................and then YOU get on the bus.

The bike rides for free..... But you don't. So remember to pay the fare or your bike will arrive at its destination without you. ;)

The bike rides for free..... But you don't. So remember to pay the fare or your bike will arrive at its destination without you. ;)Because of my "senior" status, I ride the bus for 25¢ (regular fare is $1.25). Unfortunately, my trike can't ride the bus at all.

I do this twice every day, and it cuts a one hour commute in half, as the bus in question goes nonstop down the expressway at 60 mph. KSL's instructions are good. What I would advise is going to one of the bus parking areas on a weekend and asking to practice. Ten seconds is about what it takes, once one is proficient.

Paul

DUH!!





Well yeah you'd think...but LA Metro has a whole pamphlet dedicated to forgetting your bike, what numbers to call, etc.