A question that keeps popping up: cyclists asking why Metro can’t switch from bus racks that hold two bikes to those that hold three. The answer, my friends, is that it’s illegal under state law. At least for the moment.
The California Vehicle Code doesn’t allow for more than two bikes on the front if the bikes and rack make the bus longer than 48.5 feet. This may sound odd to anyone who has visited another city and seen buses toting three bikes, but different states and cities have different ideas about what’s safe on city streets. And different agencies have buses of differing lengths — many of Metro’s are between 40 and 60 feet.
Yet there’s hope for L.A.County. Metro wants the California Legislature to allow it an exemption — as is the case for Alameda County Transit in the Bay area. In fact, the Metro Board in September 2010 approved a motion (see item 9) by L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa that orders development of a plan to prompt such an exemption. What this requires, however, is a sponsor for the legislation. And at the moment, no legislator seems to be stepping up to the plate.
One other problem, as usual, is money. At present, all of Metro’s 2,200 buses are equipped with bike racks and replacing those with new triple bicycle racks would cost an estimated $1.6 million. Given current fiscal challenges, both state-wide and nationally, what do you think the chances are of all those perfectly nice — but over popular — bike racks being jettisoned in favor of new ones any time soon?
Here’s an interesting post on Austintwowheels.org about about a triple rack being tested there. The photo at right shows that rack.
And yet … the Metro Board and new Board Chair Mayor Villaraigosa want this to happen and when that’s the case, things sometimes have a way of moving forward. So stay tuned. But don’t expect new bike racks tomorrow.
Related post: loading your bike on a bus.
If not on all bus lines I’d love to see these on the high congestion and express lines.
Bikes should be allowed inside the bus when it’s slow. I’ve sometimes had to what for 2 hours just to get an open rack. Further more, I’ve seen homeless dragging there “homes” onto buses that are larger than a bike. So to say room is a problem is a lie. Allow bikes in the handicapped spots if not in use. charge an extra fee and create space on busses like subway.
I HATE BIKE RACKS and bicyclists on buses! They SLOW THE BUS DOWN! It is beyond stupid a bus should have to accomadate a bike! If you want to ride a bike, ride IT, NOT THE BUS! If you take the bus, LEAVE THE BIKE AT HOME!
If the $1.6mil to replace racks is a problem, Metro could certainly get things rolling by installing triple racks on all new buses.
I’ve seen some bikes get beat around on (e.g.) Wilshire; I’d like to see racks that hold the bike more securely.
So it would cost $727 per bus to replace each bike rack?No discount for buying 220k new bike racks?
Also you guys need to get disqus on here
To me this is a waste of money, triple bike rack will take out more space in front of the bus but yet the Mayor and Metro Board wants to do this but they can’t since it’s illegal.
There is really mis-management at Metro Board.
@John I agree with you. I think bikes should be outlawed and banned on public transportation, we need create this kind of bill, and this bill is where bike racks and bike compartment should be banned from buses and trains. If the law were to be violated then people would be fined.
This is what I think should happened and you can all criticize me but this is my opinion and it’s not changing. So to people that disagree with me, don’t waste your time.
But yes, I hate bike racks.