Guide to:

Go Green Bicycle Policy

Bus Rack and Roll

Bikes on Rail

Stay Safe

Bike Racks and Lockers

Go Green Bicycle Policy

Bicycles on MTA is one of the Maryland Transit Administration’s Go Green Programs keeping our state on the move while fostering a healthy environment.

Public transportation and bicycles provide more mobility options to everyone, helps improve air quality and reduces traffic congestion.  In Maryland, public transportation and bicycles can and do work together to allow for longer trips.  That’s smart transportation – the ability to move seamlessly between transit modes in a healthy enjoyable manner.

To make transit convenient for bicyclists, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) has, for some time, allowed riders to bring bicycles onto Light Rail, Metro Subway and in some cases, MARC trains.  Bicycles can go along for the ride on MTA Buses as Local Buses are equipped with front-mounted bicycle racks so cyclists can load their bicycle onto a Bus and catch a ride.  To get the most out of biking, stow your bicycle at a MTA provided bicycle rack or locker located at stations and stops along the system.

Bi·cy·cle (b?´s?k´?l, -s?´kel) n.

A vehicle consisting of a metal frame on two spoked wheels one behind the other and having a seat, handlebars for steering, and two pedals by which it is driven.

-vi. –cled, -cling, -cles.  To ride on a bicycle. –bi’cy·clist n.

A bicycle is a two-wheel vehicle, no longer than 72 inches, no higher than 48 inches, or wider than 22 inches.  A bicycle whose frame folds and the wheels come together are permitted on all MTA services, including MARC Trains.  Motor-powered, recumbent or tandem bicycles are not allowed on MTA services.  Motorcycles, mopeds, tricycles and bicycles with trailers or training wheels are not allowed on MTA services.  You must be 18 years of age with proof of age or accompanied by an adult who is 18 years of age to bring a bicycle on MTA services.  Only one bicycle per person is allowed onboard.

Rack and Roll!

Tips for Loading and Unloading a Bicycle Using a Bus-Mounted Bike Rack:

Our Local Bus fleet is equipped to carry two bicycles, although there may be an occasion a Bus in service does not have a bicycle rack. The bicycle racks are very easy to use, designed for cyclists to load and unload themselves. See the steps below for loading and unloading.

Loading

1.      To prepare your bike for loading prior to the arrival of the Bus, take off loose items, water bottles, chain locks, or any other dangling objects.

2.      Stay back as the Bus approaches the stop and do not allow your body or bicycle to extend past the curb area.

3.      Alert the operator that you will place a bicycle on the rack, and then go to the front of the Bus to load the bicycle from the curb side.  Please do not step into oncoming traffic to load your bike.

4.      If the rack is in the upright position, using one hand squeeze the handle to carefully lower the bicycle rack while holding your bike with the other hand.

5.      Lift the bicycle, fitting wheels into the labeled slot closest to the Bus.  If it is the second bicycle on the rack it should face in the opposite direction of the first bicycle.

6.      The front tire should be in the wheel slot with the padded hook.

7.      Raise the padded hook up and over the front tire so the hook rests at the highest point on the front wheel.  The hook adds lateral support for the loaded bicycle.

8.      Board the Bus, pay the fare and tell the operator at which stop you will depart with your bicycle.

9.      Enjoy the ride!

Unloading

1. Don’t forget your bicycle is loaded on the Bus!
2. Exit from the front door and remind the operator you have a bike to take off the rack.
3. Raise the padded hook off the tire by pulling up and away, and lower it around the tire to its original position on the rack.
4. Lift your bike off the rack.
5. If there are no other bicycles on the rack, return the rack to the upright position by squeezing the handle and folding up the rack until it snaps into position.
6. Step away from the Bus toward the curb and wait for the Bus to pull away from the stop before safely beginning your bicycle journey.

Bikes on Rail

Bicycles may be brought aboard the MTA’s Light Rail and Metro Subway trains operating in the Baltimore metropolitan area.  When using these services be sure to:

• Push or carry the bicycle when on the elevator, inside the station, on the platform or in the train. 
• If the train is crowded due to morning or afternoon rush hour, sporting events or special events, please wait for the next train.
• Stay a safe distance from the loading platform edge at all times before boarding trains.
• Be considerate of other passengers and wait until exiting and entering passengers have cleared the doorway before carrying the bicycle onto the transit vehicle.
• Follow any instructions given by transit staff regarding bicycle transport.
• In the event a bicycle or other property falls into the track area of the Metro Subway system, DO NOT attempt to retrieve it personally.  Immediately, approach the Station Attendant for assistance.
• Place the bicycle in the area reserved for seniors and people with disabilities.  However, seniors and people with disabilities have priority over bicycles.  Hold onto the bicycle and keep it out of the way of other passengers.

Stay Safe

Staying safe when riding on the roads means watching out for public transportation vehicles, and warning devices.  The MTA has nearly 50 Bus lines and as many as 800 Buses stopping at more than 6,000 Bus stops in the Baltimore metropolitan area.  Light Rail is a 30-mile, barrier free system operating predominantly at street level. 

To stay safe bicyclists must always watch for transit vehicles, and practice the following:

• When approaching Light Rail or other railroad tracks, always expect a train at any time, from any direction, and on any track in the vicinity.
• Obey railroad crossing safety devices: That means signals, flashing lights, gate arms, and audible bells. 
• NEVER try to race a train or piece of track equipment through a grade crossing or intersection.
• Stop, look, and listen before crossing tracks at the designated location.  Trains and track equipment move more quickly than they might appear to be moving.  If stopped, they may move without warning.
• Do not rely on sound alone to warn of an approaching train as they are very quiet.
• Light Rail trains follow different traffic signals and may move at unexpected times. 
• If you, as a bicycle rider, cannot see a transit vehicle’s outside mirror, the operator of that vehicle is unable to see you nearby.
• A cyclist should never pass a Bus on the right side at any time since a Bus may turn or pull closer to the curb to pick up or drop off passengers. 
• When you pass a Bus with its rear angled out into traffic, pass on the left and look around carefully.  Pass the front of the Bus with plenty of room in case it pulls out or pedestrians appear.
• Buses and other large vehicles need more room to negotiate turning corners, so stay away from the rear of a turning vehicle. 

Bicycle Racks and Lockers

Most Light Rail and Metro Subway stations have bicycle racks, as well as many MARC Train stations.  Racks are available at no cost.  Bike lockers are also available throughout the MTA system, at several Light Rail stops, Metro Subway, and MARC Train stations.  For locations where bike lockers are available and for information on renting a bicycle locker, call the MTA’s Office of Customer Information at 410-767-8749.  A $25.00 deposit for the locker is refundable.  The yearly cost of renting a locker is $70.

For More Information

MTA Office of Customer Information

Information on Bicycle Lockers and Racks

6 St. Paul St.

Baltimore, MD 21202

410-767-8749

 www.mtamaryland.com

MTA Information

410-539-5000 or 866-RIDE MTA (743-3682)

Maryland Department of Transportation

MDOT Director of Bicycle and Pedestrian Access

7201 Corporate Center Drive

P.O. Box 548

Hanover, MD 21076

 www.mdot.state.md.us

State Highway Administration

Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator

707 North Calvert St., MS502

Baltimore, MD 21202

410-545-5656 or 800-252-8776

 bikes@sha.state.md.us

MTA TTY for people who are hearing and/or speech impaired please call 410-539-3497.