LAist: Metro Could Help Improve Bicycle 'Metroquette'

traci747

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:14:05 -0800

I don't think there is an easy solution. They should address the problem, one way or another (maybe a bike only car??) but then it would show down the whole schedule when people need extra time to get their bikes. But if you need to, you need to because there just isn't the extended rail service to get people to where they need to be after their train ride is done.

pling

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 12:43:31 -0800

Taking a bike on the Metro is actually very easy if the train isn't crowded. I started doing it a couple of months ago, not having ridden the Metro much before, and caught on about what to do with my bike quickly after watching others. This is what I do: There's a standing room only area in the middle of each car. Over there, there are vertical handrails to which you can strap or lock your bike (although I doubt that they are intended for that). A U-lock is enough to keep my bike from rolling forward or backward too much or from falling over, which I have seen happen with a bike that wasn't strapped. Once I have my bike secured, I find a seat and relax. Technically, you're supposed to stay with your bike and hold on to it, but I think that securing it to the train is actually much safer for everyone. As far as the Portland idea goes, I think the handlebars might still get in people's way, but I like how the bike area is close to the doors, so that you don't have to go too far into the train with your bike. I don't think I would use it, though, because my bike is too heavy for me to lift up that way, but it would definitely be a good option for a lot of people. Oh yeah, taking your bike on the Metro is allowed during rush hour, but only on certain trains, as stated on Metro's Bike Rules. These trains are generally the uncrowded ones leaving downtown in the morning and returning to downtown in the evening.

Will Campbell

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 14:20:19 -0800

In 1998 when I was far less jaded and using the Red Line pretty regularly to go from Union Station to its then end at Wilshire/Western. As I had to lock up my bike at Unions Station because of the MTA's NO BIKES policy during peak transit times, I studied the cars and went to great lengths with my poor drawing skills to illustrate how better to provide space for the safe storage of a minimum of two bikes per car (similar to how Metrolink trains were already set up for bikes at the time). I then went to Kinkos and made enough copies of the proposal to mail the idea to every member of the MTA board and its chair. The response? Absolutely zero. Not even a "thanks but..." from the lowliest of that tribe. I get the sense the response would be the same today. The only thing different is that I wouldn't waste my time and money finding out.

jasonburns

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 12:09:12 -0800

I've always thought that Metro should do more to embrace the integration of bikes and transit by adding one seat-less car to each train. Not only would it accommodate riders who already bike to stations, but, it would encourage more to do so. Plus, I think Metro prohibits bikes altogether during rush hour. With today's rising gas prices and renewed interest in public transit and biking, a bike-only car could be very popular. Sure would be a fun experiment!