What are the benefits of bike racks on buses?
Bike racks on buses provide Wisconsin residents with
balanced transportation options. They allow people more mobility and give riders more flexibility in planning their transit trips. If you live too far from a bus stop to walk there, or you're going somewhere that is not within walking distance of a stop, you can go part of the way by bike.
In Milwaukee County, for example, 85% of residents are within walking distance from a bus stop; 99% are within biking distance. That means
you can go more places by combining biking with busing.
Bike racks on buses give people the choice to avoid riding after dark, up hills, in poor weather, or in areas that lack comfortable bicycle access. It also provides an option for people who have mechanical problems with their bikes. Buses are also a great option for people who want to bicycle on area trails, but don't want to bike on roads to get to the trail or carry their bikes by car. Bike racks on buses connect riders with parks and trails in much of Wisconsin.
How many transit systems in Wisconsin allow bikes on buses?
Fifteen Wisconsin transit systems allow bikes on buses, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. The Waukesha system does not have bike racks, but allows bikes onboard. The rest use bike racks that are mounted to the exterior of the bus:
| Appleton |
Green Bay |
La Crosse |
Milwaukee |
Sheboygan |
| Ashland |
Janesville |
Madison |
Oshkosh |
Stevens Point |
| Eau Claire |
Kenosha |
Manitowoc |
Racine |
|
In addition, Fond du Lac and Wausau plan to add bike racks to buses in 2010 or 2011. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation reports that Beloit is the only municipality with a bus system that does not plan to accommodate bikes on buses in the near future.
How do I use the bike rack on my bus?
The Milwaukee County Transit system offers
these step-by-step instructions for using bike racks on buses. Most systems used in Wisconsin are similar.
Last updated May 11, 2010
