'Natural Partners': Bikes, Scooters Now Always Allowed On Metra Trains
CHICAGO — Following lobbying from cycling advocates, Metra leadership has agreed to permanently allow bicycles on all trains on the commuter railway.
The policy was introduced on a temporary basis after the coronavirus pandemic slashed ridership four years ago.
From 2005 to the outbreak of COVID-19 in Illinois, bicycles were only allowed on trains during non-rush periods.
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But last year, 260,000 riders brought bikes on trains with them — that marks the highest annual number, even though overall ridership is way down since the start of the pandemic.
According to annual ridership statistics, there were less than 29.6 million rides on Metra last year, compared to more than 74 million in 2019 — a drop of more than 60 percent.
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Railway officials, responding to the uptick and aiming to reduce conflicts with disabled riders, have began manufacturing and installing new bike racks in-house.
The new racks, which can accommodate two to four bikes or e-scooters, are rolling out in about 50 railcars on routes most frequented by cyclists. The bike-friendly cars can be identified by a bike logo on their exterior.
The new evolution of bikes-on-trains rules and introduction of the new racks were both influenced by cycling advocates, who not only lobbied Metra’s board but also contributed to drafting the new policy and testing the racks, according to Metra’s officials.
“We are truly grateful to the passionate cyclists who helped us change our policy for the betterment of all riders,” Jim Derwinski, Metra’s CEO and executive director, said in a statement. “Metra and bicycles are natural partners, and it is gratifying to solidify our relationship.”
Starting on Feb. 1, Metra is also rolling out its new fare structure and zone maps. Under the new bike policy that becomes permanent next month, bicycles, e-bikes, scooters and e-scooters are welcome on all trains.
They can be stashed in the priority seating areas of ADA-accessible railcars or in the new racks. The spaces for bikes and scooters are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to customers with disabilities in the ADA seating areas.
In some circumstances, cyclists may be asked to leave the train or denied permission to board if a space is needed for disabled riders or if a train is full, but crews will make an effort to accommodate them elsewhere on the train, according to Metra officials.
Bicycles must be strapped securely to the new racks or in the ADA seating areas and kept clean to avoid hazards. Other policy details include a requirement for unaccompanied riders with bikes or scooters to be at least 16 years old, size restrictions that rule out longer cargo bikes and the prohibition of gas-powered bikes and scooters.
And the railway this month has introduced a new passenger code of conduct that, for the first time, allows for the suspension of riding privileges and confiscation of fares for passengers who engage in prohibited conduct, such as engaging in public indecency or threatening, attacking or assaulting other people.
The policy was adopted by the Metra board Wednesday in response to a state law adopted last year that grants transit agencies the ability to ban problematic passengers.
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