Bikes on Buses Project

The Division of Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation began promoting and funding Bikes on Buses projects in 1994. The first project was with the Winston-Salem Transit Authority, which received funding for a pilot project to fit up buses serving two routes. The pilot was a great success and within a short time, the entire fleet was equipped with front-mounted bike racks. Other systems that have received ISTEA or TEA-21 funding to purchase and install bike racks include: AppalCART (Boone area), Capital Area Transit Authority (Raleigh), Durham Area Transit Authority. Several other North Carolina transit systems tapped other federal funding to fit up their systems. These include the Asheville Transit Authority, Chapel Hill Transit, Charlotte Area Transit System, Fayetteville Area System of Transit and the Triangle Transit Authority.

The buses are typically equipped with front-mounted bike racks that can carry two bikes each. The well-designed devices are easy to use and secure. Loading time is approximately eight seconds and does not significantly impact bus schedules. The racks fold up for ease of bus washing and maintenance. A report prepared for the Transportation Research Board in 1994, Integration of Bicycles and Transit, provides an overview of issues related to providing Bikes on Bus service. To view this document, click here.

Feedback from these transit systems has shown this service to be very popular. In June of 2002, the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) reported 3,348 users, a significant increase over the May 2001 total of 1,953. The CATS Chief Executive Officer was quotes as saying that "Bike racks have enhanced our customers’ access to work, parks and other leisure activities, and customer response has been positive." A local bike commuter noted that "there are so many places in Charlotte right now where you wouldn’t feel comfortable riding a bike, but CATS bridges that. The rider goes on to note …"most of the folks I know who are bike commuters will use the bus one way and bike home. If it’s raining or it’s dark, the bike racks are really handy."

Bikes on Buses

Permssion for reproducing "Eight Steps for Using the Bus Bike Rack",
was granted throught the Triangle Transit Authority

All TTA buses except the RTP Shuttle vans are equipped with bike racks on the front of each bus. Our easy to use bike racks can hold two bikes and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If the bike rack is full, you will have to wait for the next bus.
Only two-wheeled adult and children's bikes fit on the bus bike racks. Motorized bikes are not allowed on any bus racks.

Eight Steps for Using the Bus Bike Rack:

Remember that TTA is not liable for any damage to your bike, or other property connected with the bicycle, so be sure to load your bike securely onto the rack as follows:

Step 1: Before the bus arrives at your stop, please make sure that bike pumps and water bottles are secure so that they do not fall off during the bus trip.

Step 2: When the bus arrives at your stop, indicate to the driver that you will be loading your bicycle onto the rack. Remember to look closely before stepping off the curb to load and unload your bike.

Step 3: To release the rack, squeeze the center handle and slowly lower it. If the rack is already lowered and a bike is in position, use the other available bike wheel well. If the bike rack is full, please wait for the next available bus.

Step 4: After lowering the rack, lift your bicycle into the available wheel well, making sure that the front wheel is placed on the side labeled "front wheel." If only one bike is being loaded, use the position nearest the bus, handlebars toward the curb.

Step 5: Pull out and up on the support arm and hook the arm securely over the top of your front wheel. A spring pulls the arm back and holds the bike securely in place.










Step 6: When you reach your destination, notify the driver that you will be unloading your bicycle and use the front door to exit the bus. Raise the support arm up off the tire and return it to its original position.

Step 7: Lift your bike out of the bike rack. If the bike rack is empty, please return the rack to its upright position.

Step 8: Step away from the bus and onto the curb with your bike. Indicate to the Operator that you are clear of the bus.

Reminder: TTA is not responsible for lost or stolen bicycles. It is advised to sit near the front of the bus so that you may monitor your bike during your ride.

If you have questions about TTA's Bikes-On-Bus program, please pick up a copy of our brochure "Put Your Bike Where Your Bus Is!" or call TTA Bus Information at 549-9999 and press "1."

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12/06/06