Bikes on Metro. Not against the rules, but still against the law (for now)

This month, Metro changed their rules to allow bikes on metro during rush hour, so far without incident. But did you know it's against the law in DC - and has been for years (even outside of rush hour). That's right DC's laws have not kept up with WMATA's rules. According to D.C. Official Code § 35-251(b).

It is unlawful for any person either while aboard a public passenger vehicle ...or while aboard a rail transit car owned and/or operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority...or while within a rail transit station ...within the corporate limits of the District of Columbia to:

Park, operate, carry, wheel, or chain to any fence, tree, railing, or other structure not specifically designated for such use, noncollapsible bicycles, unless an individual has a current permit issued by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority for the transporting of noncollapsible bicycles by rail transit and the individual is complying with all the terms and conditions of said permit; provided, that an individual shall surrender said permit upon the request or demand of any agent or employee of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Sections 35-253 and 35-254 shall not apply to a violation of the terms and conditions of said permit.

What will Crickey do until the law goes into effect? The crisis of conscience. WMATA has not required a permit for two decades, so this change is overdue. 

But rejoice good people, for this is about to be changed. The Metro fare evasion bill that Bowser just vetoed, and is likely to be overridden,  will also correct this. The law will then read:

It is unlawful for any person, either while aboard a public passenger vehicle for hire with a capacity for seating 12 or more passengers, including vehicles owned or operated by WMATA; or while aboard a rail transit car owned or operated by WMATA; or while within a rail transit station owned or operated by WMATA, to:

Operate or chain to any fence, tree, railing, or other structure not specifically designated for such use, skateboards, rollerblades, roller skates, non-motorized scooters, bicycles, tricycles, or unicycles;

I'm still unsure about the rule making it illegal to chain a bike to anything not "specifically designated for such use" but maybe there's now enough designated bike parking to make this a non-issue. Does anyone think this rule would impact them within DC? (Not that it will be enforced). 

Comments

[Roy]

The § 35–251(b)(10) you quote refers to a permit. So maybe if you have the permit you're good to go? I remember many years ago when I moved to DC I acquired of these - it was stiff paper and I kept it in my bike's seat bag.

[NFP]

I still have my permit. My photo looks a little younger though.

[ryan schmidt]

In London, everyone can bring it on tube. I don"t know of any permit yet.