Victory for Bikes on BART!

On October 24, the BART Board of Directors voted to make permanent the bike pilot started in July.  Yes, the pilot of the past 4 months allowing you to take your bicycle on BART during all operating hours and on your own schedule, is permanent. It’s the new rule going forward. For many around the East Bay this change has made a profound difference in their lives.  Bike East Bay worked with BART Directors and staff to build support for this crucial win. 

Thanks to our many member and volunteers who sent emails and called their BART Directors.  Thanks to the thousands of BART bike commuters who showed good behavior during rush hours over the past 4 month. Thanks to the staff and Directors of BART for their vision, with extra special thanks to Director Robert Raburn, our former Executive Director, for his leadership and vision in making BART a bicycle-friendly system.  And thanks to our partners the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition and the Bikes on Board team.  

Bike East Bay was founded in 1972, the same year that BART opened it’s gates to commuters.  This win today is a great milestone for us as we have surmounted the final hurdle to full access for bikes on BART, after many years of advocacy. 

• Bikes are welcome on all trains but never in the first car or any crowded car.

• During commute hours (7:00 to 9:00 am and 4:30 to 6:30 pm.) bikes are not allowed in the first three cars of any train.

• Regardless of any other rule, bikes are never allowed on crowded cars. Use your good judgment and only board cars that can comfortably accommodate you and your bicycle.

• Folded bikes are allowed on the trains at all times.

• Hold your bike while on the trains.

• Bicyclists must use elevator or stairs, not escalators, and must always walk bikes. 

• Bicyclists must yield priority seating to seniors and people with disabilities, yield to other passengers, and not block aisles or doors or soil seats. 

• In case of an evacuation, leave your bike on the train and do not let it block aisles or doors. 

• Bicyclists under 14 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

• Gas powered vehicles are never permitted.

• Bikes must be parked in racks and lockers.  Bikes parked against poles, fences or railings will be removed.

• If a car is crowded, board the next car or wait for the next train;

• Keep aisles and doorways clear by leaning your bike against the wall. Stack bikes to conserve space and be thoughtful how you lean your bike against another bike;

• Take care to keep your bike from bumping into other people;

• Be ready to exit before your stop arrives to keep trains on time;

• Be especially courteous and respectful to other passengers;

• It is OK to board a car that is not crowded, only to watch it become crowded down the line. Be ready to exit as the train approaches your stop and announce to nearby passengers that you need to move to the exit. Try to get near the door before the train stops so that you can exit before other commuters board the car;

• Make an effort to be a ‘bike ambassador’ and if you see someone unaware of these rules, interject yourself and let them know that you need their support in order to ensure your bike commute is a bike-accompanied as possible.