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A lot of people have been telling us they want to ride their bikes more, but that bike rack on the bus gives them goose bumps. They don't know how to do it, what if the bus driver gets mad, what if my bike falls off, what if the bus leaves before I get bike off are all questions that worry people.
And it worried us too, until one day we said damnit, we're too tired to ride home at 12 pm. And you know what? It was easy as pie. And here's how:
1. First check out this video.
2. It's not on YouTube, but the best video on how to "rack n' roll" is from our neighbor friends from the north in Santa Clarita.
3. On Metro's website, they give a three-step process shown with the above photo:
1. Squeeze handle to lower the rack.
2. Load your bike in an empty slot.
3. Raise the support arm up and over the front tire. Board the bus and pay your fare.
Make sure your front wheel is placed on the side with the support arm. Lifting the support arm can be the trickiest part as it is just not raising, but pulling it out to raise. Pull it up and over your front tire to the top (doing it half way is no good).
4. If you loaded it, you know how to unload. Just don't forget to put the rack back up if you're the last bike (the bus driver will yell at you for this one).
So get out and give it a try. You might be a little slow the first time, but who cares, you've got to learn at some point and all it takes is one try.
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The first time is very intimidating. The crowd is watching, the bus driver has that look, the bike doesn't feel secure...
After a few trips, I feel like a pro but I often forget the most important element in loading my bike on the bus rack, letting the driver know I'm about to step in front of the bus to load my bike!
Even the Metro forgot to mention it. The steps should be 1) let the driver know you intend to step out and load your bike (the "yo!") 2) get an acknowledgement from the driver (the "nod") then the three loading steps.
I've got a technique to open the rack. I walk the bike out to the front of the bus, and stop with me between the bike and the rack, leaving enough room for the rack in its open position. Then I lean the bike on my hip, chain side away from me, while I reach over and open the rack.
Then I turn around and lift the bike by the bar that runs from the crank to the back hub, using my other hand to guide the bike by the front of top tube. Then I swing it around and put the back tire in the rack first.
I took me a while to learn and practice this, but it was worth it to not feel like I was keeping a busload of people from their destinations.
One more thing . . . be nice to the rack or the drivers will yell at you. Don't let the rack fall open, and don't slam it shut.
I have used the bike racks over 300 time in one year
its really easy to use, just make sure the arm
whats known as J hook is over the front wheel of your bike, then board the bus, try to keep an eye
on the bike when you get to your stop
just tell the driver that you will be getting your bike off the rack,
(some cyclists also tell the driver that they are
going to use the rack)
the only problem is that sometimes you will
find both racks already in use, and you then you have to wait for the next bus...
Imagine my dismay when I tried to load my e-bike, and it was too long for the back wheel to fit in the bike rack. The problem could be solved with a "U" brace at the back of the current backwheel holder.
And I wish that the Dash buses had bike racks as well. Especially in the rain.
I've heard that Electra Townies are either just a smidge too long or just barely fit on racks as well. Anyone have any experience loading a Townie?