Since more cities are becoming bicycle conscious, bicyclists in some urban areas have the option of placing their bike on a bus rack before the rider pays the fare and enters the bus. Cyclists will find the bike rack attached to the front bumper of the bus. It is important to unhinge the bus rack and the load the bicycle quickly so as not to hold up the efficiency of the bus operator.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Things You’ll Need:
- Bike helmet (may be required by law)
Loading the Bike
Step 1
Remove all extraneous items from your bike because the bus will proceed at full speed while your bike is mounted to the front of it. Extraneous items may include water bottles, air pumps, back packs and bike helmets.
Step 2
Wait until the bus comes to a full stop and be positive that the bus driver is aware of your presence and activities. This is especially important if many people are boarding the bus while you are loading your bicycle onto the rack.
Step 3
Stand in front of the bus and unhinge the bus rack so it can be lowered into the horizontal position. There are times when the bus rack will be already lowered and holding one or more bikes in the rack. Most bus racks are designed to hold two bikes.
Step 4
Raise the adjustable arm with the hooked end. It will somewhat resemble the handle of an umbrella.
Step 5
Place the bicycle on the bed of the bike rack so the front wheel of the bike is underneath the adjustable hooked arm. Most bike racks have two wells, one to hold and keep each wheel in place. Check to see that each wheel fits tightly into the appropriate wheel well.
Step 6
Release the hooked arm so it pulls tight against the tire of your bicycle and holds it securely in place.
Step 7
Give the bicycle a firm shake to make sure it is properly secured.
Step 8
Board the bus.
Removing the Bicycle
Step 1
Inform the driver that you need to remove your bike from the rack.
Step 2
Lift the hooking device until it clears the front tire of your bike.
Step 3
Pull the bike toward you and let the hooking device slip back into place.
Step 4
Lift the bicycle free of the rack.
Step 5
Raise the rack into the vertical position and make sure it latches into place. This is not necessary if there are any bicycles still in the rack.
Tips & Warnings
- Make sure the driver is aware of your presence before you walk in front of the bus.
- The bus driver is not obligated to exit the bus to help with the bike. In fact, he is probably prohibited from doing so by the bus company.
- Make sure the hooking device wraps around the front tire.
- If the rack is empty, place your bike at the rear of the rack.
- You are responsible if the bike is not securely fitted into the bike rack.
- If a bike rack is full, you will most likely have to wait for the next bus to be able to load your bicycle onto the bus rack. This means it is best to avoid riding the last run of the day if you are going to be loading your bike onto the rack.
- When you exit the bus always inform the driver that you need to remove your bicycle.
- If the rack is empty after you remove your bike, you must raise the rack to the vertical position and make sure it is latched into place.
