Metro amends policy on folding bicycles

This is good news, though I find the rule lightly, if ever, enforced so it probably won't have an enormous impact.

Metro has amended its policy on folding bicycles, eliminating the requirement that the bicycles be encased before being allowed into the Metrorail system during rush hours.

Folding bicycles are now permitted on Metrorail at any time, but must remain folded and securely fastened when in the system during rush hours to ensure that they do not spring open.

“We have eliminated the requirement for carrying cases as designs of folding bikes have improved over the past 20 years. Today's folding bikes are more compact and less hazardous with features such as chain guards that protect customers from accidental or unwanted contact with grease and grime,” said Lynn Bowersox, Metro Assistant General Manager for Customer Service, Communications and Marketing.

Metro encourages customers to travel to Metrorail by bike and is working to reach a goal of tripling the number of people who bike to a Metrorail station by 2020. Bicycling is a cost-effective, environmentally-friendly and sustainable way to access Metro.

Standard bicycles are allowed on Metrorail anytime except on weekdays between 7 and 10 a.m., and 4 and 7 p.m., and during special events when the system is crowded. Metro has more than 4,000 bicycle parking spaces at 85 of 86 Metrorail stations. All Metrobuses have racks attached at the front with space for two bicycles.

 

Comments

[SJE]

How often does Metro enforce the "dirty" bikes ban?

[dcbrewer]

I have had metro employees tell me that my folding bike had to be in a bag on several occasions. I carried a trash bag along with me for just this reason. The new rule will make things much easier, though.

[tim h]

I am so happy to hear this. I was once refused entry because of this (at Friendship Heights by a station manager) and 3 times detained and threatened to be banned in the future and have my bike confiscated (at Anacostia, by the "metro police" when they were visiting) because of this bag rule. I admit I was breaking the rule, but it was truly a stupid hassling rule and I had taken thousands of other trips without a bag.

[Still Alive]

Great, maybe this will help clueless station managers (like the one at Dunn Loring who recently yelled to me "No bike helmets allowed at rush hour") learn the policy!

[dynaryder]

@Tim:"I admit I was breaking the rule, but..."

Sorry,you where breaking the rules. And I never thought they were stupid. For a Brompton,yes,they fold their chains into the center of the bike where it can't do any harm. But Dahons/clones wear their chains on the outside where it could easily rub on someone during the rush hour crush.

FYI,I also think there should be rules for strollers and large luggage just like bikes. IE,end doors only,and a limit of how many.