[alexisglenn]

Could you show me where I compare a bike to a child? Like actually pull the quote?

I compare the SPACE a bike takes to the SPACE a stroller takes up. A stroller is a mode of transportation for a person, as is a bike, and believe it or not, people do use bikes to transport their children also. 6′ x 2′ bike? What model do you have??

Do luggage wheels and stroller wheels roll on magic dirt-free roads or sidewalks?

Are people in this part of the U.S. so much more inconsiderate than others in 13 major U.S. cities with subways who allow people with bikes to ride anytime and to make good-faith calls on what trains are too crowded?

Yes, this issue was discussed before –3 years ago. If you read my original post, I acknowledged that. It is clear by that thread that the most vocal people in this forum don’t agree with my point of view and that’s ok. All I simply asked is if anyone here happened to agree with my point of view that the ban was arbitrary, it just takes a moment to let WMATA know.

[alexisglenn]

Crucial access crosswalks and paths over the Beltway at Route 1 to Washington and at Telegraph Road to Eisenhower, between Fairfax part of Alexandria and Old Town Alexandria still mostly or entirely covered in snow. These are not just access points for bikes, but walkers and those requiring ADA accessibility.
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[alexisglenn]

I agree that “political capital” should also be spent on issues like more protected bike lanes, plowed bike lanes, better trails, and expanded Bikeshare. However those issues take more than political capital, they need actual capital. It’s trickier to get both political will and money working in concert. I’m not saying we shouldn’t all continue to fight for those infrastructure investments, I’m saying that lifting the bike ban won’t cost WMATA anything and it is an outreach to a sector of ridership inviting back to the system. It seems like a win-win to me for WMATA and people with bikes. Getting a bike lane built takes a lot of advocacy, money, and changing hearts and minds. Changing the Metro bike ban seems like something that could change more swiftly if enough people say something to the Metro board, because it wouldn’t cost them anything.

[alexisglenn]

I have a three issues with the argument about bikes and crowds on Metro.

First, why are bikes less safe than large pieces of luggage and strollers?

Second, most rail systems, 13 out of the 15 largest US subway systems, allow bikes anytime. Their answer to the crowds and safety issue is to ask people with bikes not board crowded trains. From what I’ve read broadly about that policy is that 99.9% of people with bikes thankfully have common sense and courtesy and abide by the policy.

Third, there are many more instances where it is safe and comfortable to board an uncrowded train during the ban hours, than when it is not. Regulating for the few exceptions rather than fair access for all is bad policy.

Here are some examples of actual U.S. Rail Public Transit Policies for Bikes, any of these would work on the DC Metro:

NYC Transit Subway

Bicycles are permitted on Subway trains at all times. However, we strongly recommend that cyclists avoid boarding crowded rush hour trains. Be courteous to your fellow passengers by standing with your bike, moving it so others can pass, and not blocking doors.

http://web.mta.info/nyct/safety/bike/

BART Trains

Please observe all bike rules if you plan on taking a bike on a train. Although bikes are allowed on all trains at all times, there are some important exceptions:

Bikes are never allowed on crowded cars (there must be enough room to comfortably accommodate you and your bicycle)
Bikes are never allowed on the first car of any train
Bikes are not allowed in the first three cars during commute hours (7:00 to 9:00 AM and 4:30 to 6:30 PM)
Bikes are not allowed on escalators. Bicyclists must yield to other passengers and not block aisles or doors. If you are taking your bike on BART, it’s your responsibility to know and follow all bike rules–please read them.

http://www.bart.gov/guide/bikes

Maryland Transit Authority Light Rail

Allowed anytime unless: If the train is crowded due to morning or afternoon rush hour, sporting events or special events, please wait for the next train.

https://mta.maryland.gov/sites/default/files/MTA_Bicycles_Brochure.pdf

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority

SEPTA is proud to be a bicycle friendly transit system and encourages bicyclists to use our services to complete journeys to work or to explore our great region.

Port Authority Transit Corporation

Customers may transport bicycles on trains at any time.

http://www.ridepatco.org/travel/bicycles.html

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