Metro needn't ban bikes all day on the 4th

As usual, bikes will be banned on Metrorail all day on the Fourth of July. As usual, it will be a totally unnecessary, and even counterproductive, precaution. Metro's policy is that

Bicycles are not permitted on Metrorail on July 4th or other special events or holidays when large crowds use the system.

Large crowds, huh?

Last year 631,206 people used Metrorail on the Fourth of July, making it the 5th busiest Saturday in Metro history. Not bad. But on an average weekday in 2008 Metrorail had 727,684 trips. So, the Fourth isn't actually that busy. Not busy enough to ban bikes ALL day. Of the twenty-three busiest days* in Metrorail history, not a one is a Fourth of July. Of those 23 days, bikes were only banned for #1, #5 and #16. Busiest Day #2 was on April 2nd of this year when Metro recorded 890,000+ rides. Metro banned bikes only during the morning and afternoon rush and yet no one seemed to have a problem with it. How come we can allow bikes on for most of a nearly 900,000 rider day, but not on a 650,000 rider day?

It might be reasonable to ban bikes on for some time around the fireworks, when Metro is crazy,, but why at 9 am? Considering how much financial trouble Metro is having, it doesn't really make sense to turn away paying customers.

* To get 23 you have to combine this list of 20 from after the inauguration with this top 5 from April, which has three new ones. There may be more between five and twenty-three that weren't captured in these lists. 

Crossposted on GreaterGreaterWashington

Comments

[SJE]

Logic isn't Metro's strong point. Its all about procedure.

[Benway]

I've ridden the metro on July 4th several different times over the past few years, in the late am time frame, and all stops that are within or anywhere near the perimeter of The Mall were moderately crowded. 9am is a reasonable time to start the ban. If you wish to rail your bike, then wake your ass up early. The same ban should apply to baby strollers.

[SJE]

They may be "moderately crowded" near the mall, but why a system-wide ban? The system goes for more than 15 miles from the Mall.

On the Red line, for example, ban bikes beyond Union Station to Dupont. Riders would have to get out earlier, and can ride the rest of the way if they want to go to the Mall. By forcing those bikers to become pedestrians, you are forcing them to take Metro closer to the Mall, and thereby increase congestion in most crowded areas.

You can also ban bikes at the post fireworks rush, but there are plenty of people who want to just take in the other activities during the day.

[washcycle]

Benway, by Metro's own admission the system isn't crowded until 6pm. That's when the ban should kick in. And if they're going to put in rush-hour restrictions, they should charge rush hour prices.

[TurbineBlade]

"Price" is metro's strongest point in my opinion.