Metro amends policy on folding bicycles

Now, if they would only amend their policy about no bikes during rush, I would be SO happy. I know that could be a nightmare if not done properly, but aren’t there other cities with large transit systems that allow bikes? At least adjust the hours a little bit, I’ve hopped on at 7pm on days when I just don’t have enough in the tank to get home, and it seems like 7pm is WAY later than it needs to be.

I thought the whole reason we rode bikes was so that we didnt have to ride the subway !! :rolleyes:

I note that they weren’t specific on the size of folding bike… Slingshot anyone?

@rcannon100 31187 wrote:

I thought the whole reason we rode bikes was so that we didnt have to ride the subway !! :rolleyes:

Not all of us live within an easily bike-able distance of our work. I’m making seriously attempts, and progress, to commute by bike. I’ve even managed to cut about 10 miles off by using the Metro bus system. It’s still ~24 miles, one way. If I could cut another 5 miles by using the Metro I would be able to commute every day, rather than just about 2-3 days a week.

Of course, the problem with Metro is that it’s already pretty much at capacity, especially with the trains lasting 1/2 the maintenance period they want (http://unsuckdcmetro.blogspot.com/2012/09/its-trains-stupid.html). So, allowing bikes during rush would probably attract many more passengers, with bikes that would really fill the cars already at standing only room.

Interestingly, when I worked in Suitland, it took about 1:20 to ride Metro (red line from Med center to green line/suitland). I could bike to work (mostly down the CCT) in about 1:30. I’m sure if I was doing that commute today, I could do it faster (in much better shape now). Of course, I’d love to find a job in downtown DC, but I take what I can get!

@mstone 31215 wrote:

There are other transit systems that don’t allow bikes at any time. We’ve been all over this issue before, and I’m still fairly convinced that inviting bikes during rush hours would just end up in someone dead in some of the stations with overcrowded platforms. (The response that some stations/lines/directions aren’t crowded is relevant only if metro were capable of enforcing a rule requiring that much judgement, and people never tried to bend a safety rule for their personal convenience.)

oh yeah, the many dead passengers on the NYC subway, right, forgot about those.

They’ve even licensed some folding bikes since those don’t cause deaths
http://www.citizenbike.com/mta_metrobike_by_citizen_bike.asp

I tested Metro’s new policy today. Due to schedule issues, I could ride in, but not home. I rode my folding bike to work this morning. In the afternoon, I folded it up and took it to Farragut West. The station attendant did not know about the new policy, so I showed her the announcement on Metro’s website on my smart phone. She thanked me and asked if I could print a copy for her and bring it to her at my convenience.

I had decided in advance to wait for an uncrowded train (for good will and my own comfort/convenience), but the first train that came had plenty of space for me and the folded bike. The train never got crowded, so I don’t think I was inconveniencing anyone. When I exited at Vienna, the station attendants also did not know about the policy, so I got out my smart phone again, and promised to bring hard copy next time I’m through.

All in all it was a success. I would recommend bringing hard copies of the policy for station attendants, though.

Liz

@eminva 32178 wrote:

The station attendant did not know about the new policy, so I showed her the announcement on Metro’s website on my smart phone. She thanked me and asked if I could print a copy for her and bring it to her at my convenience.

It sounds like a positive interaction, but WMATA’s organizational challenges are mind-boggling.