Metro making bus-bike connection easier with new 3-bike racks

This week, Metro Transit is unveiling the latest addition to its fleet – new bike racks that hold up to three bicycles.

Currently, all Metro buses are equipped with two-bike racks, but that isn’t enough on some routes where bicyclists must wait for an open rack on the next bus. The addition of a three-bike rack has been long awaited by bicyclists, especially those who want to travel across the State Route 520 Bridge where there are no bike lanes. That is why the first of these racks are being installed on buses assigned to routes that travel between Seattle and the Eastside.

"Our bus passengers who ride bikes have been asking for more capacity to support their commute and lifestyle for some time," said Metro General Manager Kevin Desmond. "We wanted to accommodate them, but we also wanted a bike rack that would be sturdy, didn’t interfere with the safe operation of the bus, and was easy for customers to use."

Installation of the rack custom designed for Metro began last week at the East and Bellevue bus bases. By the end of spring, more than 250 buses should feature the three-bike racks.

The purchase and installation of the racks is being funded through a $195,000 federal grant, which should cover the cost at the first two bases. More racks will be installed on the rest of the fleet as funding becomes available, plus any new bus purchased in the future will come with a three-bike rack already installed. The base cost for each rack is approximately $600.

Metro has a long history of connecting bus and bike trips as a way of providing healthy and environmentally friendly travel options. Metro started equipping buses with bike racks in the 1970s, and today every bus in the fleet has a rack. Also, bike storage racks and lockers are offered at many park-and-ride lots and transit centers.

Sportworks, a local company, designed the new rack. It attaches to the front of the bus with an adjustable plate that allows Metro’s Vehicle Maintenance staff to raise or lower it depending on the model of the bus. It has three cradles for bikes made out of a very strong composite material, the same that is used to make the bumpers on the bus. Unlike the older all-metal, two-bike racks, the new ones should stand up much better to different road conditions and the bus wash.

"It took a good deal of research to design a three-bike rack that could be manufactured to Metro's specifications," said Vehicle Maintenance Manager Jim Boon. "We ended up with a design that is new to the industry, and I think other transit agencies are going to be eager to install these, too. But more importantly, I think the new racks are going to be a big hit with our customers."