Bikes and Transit

We can greatly reduce the number of auto trips by combining transit with walking and biking. Trains and buses are excellent alternatives to driving for longer trips, but riders must still find transportation to and from transit stops. Trains and buses only get riders to the train station or bus stop, but riders must then find a way to complete the trip to their final destination; be it home, work, school, or the store. By allowing bikes on buses, riders can bike to the bus stop, travel on the bus for the bulk of their commute with their bike on the rack, then bike the remainder of their trip. Providing secure and convenient bike parking at train stations encourages train users to complete the trip to the station by bike instead of automobile.

Bikes on Buses

As of April 1, 2001, all Pace buses are equipped with easy-to-use bike racks. There is no additional cost for using the bike racks. The Pace bike rack is attached to the front bumper of the bus, and remains folded vertically against the bus when not in use. The lightweight rack pulls down into a horizontal position to carry two bikes, which are easily secured by the bike riders. The bikes sit across the front of the bus, and the process of securing or removing a bike takes only seconds.

Loading Your Bike:

Please remove pumps, water bottles and locks that are being stored on your bike while you wait for the bus.
1. A quick wave to and eye contact with your bus operator before you step in front of the vehicle will let them know you intend to load your bicycle.
2. Release the rack by pulling the handle up and lowering the rack.
3. Place your bike in the position furthest from the bus. Face your bicycle so that the front tire is facing the locking arm. Lift your bicycle onto the rack.
4. With your bike's wheels in the wheel wells, pull the spring-loaded arm out and over your front bike tire as close to the frame as possible. Make sure it is placed on your tire and not on the fender or frame.

Unloading Your Bike:

Alert the bus operator that you'll be unloading your bicycle.
1. To release your bike, simply pull the support arm away from and over the wheel.
2. Lift your bike from the rack.
3. If the rack is empty please fold the rack against the bus by pulling the handle and raising the rack until it locks into place.
4. Move away from the bus quickly toward the curb and let the operator know it's safe to leave.

For more information on Pace and bus route information, visit www.pacebus.com.

Bikes on Trains

Metra's Bikes on Train Program has been extended indefinitely. This program is designed to enable cyclists to bring their standard-form bicycles on board trains during weekday off-peak hours and on weekends. Two bicycles are allowed in the priority seating area in each accessible rail car. There is no additional charge to your Metra fare to take a bicycle on board the train. For more information, visit http://metrarail.com.