Bikes On Buses

Rack & Ride logoEvery bus in the TCAT fleet has a bicycle rack mounted on the front. These racks can help cyclists tame the hills and weather of Tompkins County. There is no additional fare for using the bike racks.

TCAT Cares

The safety and convenience of people walking, biking and driving to access the bus system is very important to us. We support pedestrian and bicycle networks and park & ride lots in our community. Better sidewalks and trails, bike storage and improved bus stops increases convenience and safety of people riding TCAT buses.

TCAT is an Innovator

In 1996, TCAT was the first bus system in New York State to install bike racks fleet-wide. Our buses carry 17,000 bicycles a year. So this summer, TCAT encourages everyone to get out and ride. TCAT bus is your ultimate hill climbing gear!

How-To Video: Using the Bus Bicycle Rack

The bike racks are easy to use. Just follow these steps.

   Loading Your Bike:

  • Tell the bus driver that you are loading a bike.
  • Always approach the bus from the curb side.
  • As the bus approaches have your bike ready to load; remove all pumps and loose items that could fall off your bike.
  • Squeeze handle and pull down to release folded bike rack.
  • You can load and unload a bike nearest the bus without unloading the bike in front.
  • Lift the bike onto the rack, putting the front and rear wheels in the marked slots.
  • Raise the support arm, making sure it is resting on your front tire, not the fender or frame.
  • Anything attached to the bike that obstructs the TCAT driver’s vision, such as milk crates, oversize panniers, or child safety seats, will need to be removed before the bike can be put on the rack.

Unloading Your Bike

  • Tell the driver that you need to unload your bike.
  • Move the support arm down and lift out your bike.
  • Fold up the rack if there are no other bikes.

Rules

For safety reasons, the driver cannot get off the bus to assist you. Please follow the instructions above. They are also located on each bike rack.

  • Space on bike racks is on a first come, first serve basis. Older buses can carry 2 bikes while newer buses can carry 3.
  • There is no additional fare for using the bike rack!
  • Children 10 or younger must be accompanied by an adult to load and unload bikes.
  • All people using the rack must be strong enough to load and unload their bike.

What about bringing bikes inside the buses?

  • Bikes that can be folded/collapsed and can be stowed in a bag, suitcase or other type of container may be brought on board, provided they are kept out of the aisles. These are essentially treated like any luggage item.
  • Additionally, folding bikes that are not stowed in bags or suitcases may also be brought on board, provided they are kept out of the aisles and are stowed in a manner such that protruding parts (pedals, handlebars, etc.) do not pose a safety threat to passengers. These are essentially treated like other items, such as strollers and carts. It is up to the bus operator to determine whether such items are stowed adequately.
  • Regular, non-folding bicycles, including those where a wheel is simply removed, may not be brought on board at any time and should be placed on the bike rack on the front of the bus or locked to a fixed bike rack.