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Dear LAist, Bike Racks + Bus = Me Scared
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.
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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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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
