Improvements to Bikes on Metra program under discussion

Bike-toting Metra passengers will be pleased to hear about recent discussions Active Trans has had with Metra that will make it easier to bring their two wheels aboard trains.

Active Trans met with Metra Executive Director Phil Pagano to discuss several ideas, including boosting the number of bikes per train car from three to four, offering more options for bringing bikes aboard trains during light commute times, and reducing the number of blackout dates when bikes are not allowed on trains. While none of these improvements have been written in stone, these prospects look promising.

We also discussed piloting a new effort that would allow passengers to board with bikes on selected train routes for the first and second in-bound trains in the morning. And there was talk of potentially expanding the out-bound options for one train line in the evening (see below for the current times when bikes are not allowed on trains).

These discussions are the latest development in an 12-year-long effort by Active Trans to establish and steadily expand the Bikes on Metra program. “The Bikes on Metra program has opened a whole new world of travel for many people,” said Pamela Brookstein, the west suburban coordinator for Active Trans. “Our long-term overall goal is regular service for passengers with bikes.”

We are excited to be the ones who are talking about these important ideas and programs with major decision-makers. Elected officials, executive directors and presidents need to hear from the community and your support allows us to bring that message to the table. Our members will be the first to know when Metra will launch any new bikes on trains improvements, so stay tuned!

When not to bring a bike on Metra
Currently, bicycles are not permitted on weekday trains arriving in Chicago before 9:30 a.m. and leaving Chicago between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Bikes also are not allowed during the following events: Blues Fest (weekend only), all days during the Taste of Chicago, Lollapalooza, Air and Water Show, and Jazz Fest (weekend only).