Bikes and the T

 

(Updated March 2011)

This may be one of the most flexible and convenient ways to ride the T. We've upgraded the system with buses and trains that accommodate bikes, installed a variety of plentiful and well located parking facilities; and introduced the Bike CharlieCard. Combine the pleasure of riding your bicycle with the convenience of using public transportation to get where you need to go.

New this month:   Expanded Bike Access to the Blue Line

The MBTA is expanding the hours that bicycles can be brought on Blue Line trains. This six-month pilot program will begin March 19, 2011.

• When are  bikes now allowed on the Blue Line?
  • Anytime except 7AM-9AM in the inbound direction and 4PM-6PM in the outbound direction.
• Why the Blue Line only?
  • We recognize that Boston Harbor poses a barrier to cyclists to and from East Boston and welcome the opportunity to use existing Blue Line capacity to improve customer mobility.  New bike hours are tailored specifically to Blue Line ridership levels.  High ridership and crowding on other lines prohibits relaxing existing rules at this time.

(Note: bikes are still restricted on the Red and Orange Lines weekdays 7AM-10AM and 4PM-7PM)

Rules and Regulations

Hours

• Folding bicycles are allowed at all times on all vehicles when folded.
• Please follow MBTA staff instructions at all times.
• Exceptions apply during holidays and special events.

Subways all weekend, weekdays before 7am, 10am-4pm, and after 7pm. Green and Mattapan Trolley Lines do not allow conventional bikes.
Buses at all times when your bike can fit in the external rack.
Commuter Rail trains except during weekday peak hours in peak directions.
Ferry boats at all times.

Restricted Stations

Bicycles are allowed in all stations except (restriction does not apply to folding bikes):

• Park Street (Red & Green Lines)
• Downtown Crossing (Red & Orange Lines) except to transfer lines.
• Government Center (Blue & Green Lines)

Holidays & Special Events

Due to train & station crowding associated with special events, bicycles are not allowed:

• New Years Eve, St. Patrick′s Day Parade, Boston Marathon (allowed on Commuter Rail), July 4th, before/after Red Sox games, 8:30pm-11pm during TD Garden events.
• Special events at or near individual stations.

MBTA Bicycle Rules

• Enter stations through the wide fare gate.
• Folding bikes must be folded before entering fare gates.
• No special pass or additional fee required.
• Bicycles are not allowed on escalators.
• Ride to, but not inside stations.
• Stand behind platform edge/yellow line.
• Board and ride at end of a train car, do not bring your bicycle down the aisle.
• Subway cars allow only 2 bicycles per car, one at each end.
• Commuter Rail conductors will tell you where to enter, exit or ride in the train.
• Hold bicycle firmly at all times with kickstand up, do not allow it to lean against other patrons.
• Seniors and persons with disabilities are afforded preference over bicycles.
• Customers with disabilities can bring bikes on MBTA vehicles at all times when used to accommodate the customer′s disability.
• If trains are crowded or access is impeded MBTA staff may prohibit bicycles.
• MBTA staff cannot assist with bicycles.
• Cyclists under 16 must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian and remain together.
• If there is an emergency evacuation of a train, leave your bicycle on the train and do not block aisles or doors.
• Cyclists are legally responsible for any damage to T facilities or equipment and/or for any injury loss or damage sustained by passengers or T staff that result from a cyclist′s negligence. The MBTA is not responsible for loss, theft or damages to any bicycle or equipment in any MBTA bike rack, station or vehicle.
• Cyclists failing to abide by the regulations or direction of T Police or staff are subject to removal from the system

  
  

Bringing your bike on the MBTA

Folding Bikes

Allowed on all MBTA vehicles including Subway, Green Line, Commuter Rail, Ferries and buses, at any time when folded. Carrying cases are not required. (for more information on folding bikes contact MassBike)

Boats & Ferries

• Allowed at all times.

Subway

• Bikes are allowed weekdays before 7 am, between 10 am - 4 pm, and after 7 pm, all day on weekends, but not on substitute bus shuttle service.
• Blue, Red and Orange Line trains allow up to two (2) bikes per car.
• Only folding bikes are allowed on the Green Line and Mattapan Trolley
• Board and ride on either end of the car. Do not transport bicycles down the aisles.
• Move your bicycle once all passengers have cleared the doorways. Hold your bicycle firmly at all times with kickstand up.
• If accompanying a child with a bike, remain at the same end of the car.
• Wait for a less crowded train if boarding with your bike would present an obstacle to other passengers.
• If you are unable to disembark train without interfering with other passengers, remain on the train until it becomes less crowded.
• In a train emergency, stow your bike as far away from the aisle as possible.

Commuter Rail

• Bikes are allowed weekdays except during rush hours (morning inbound / evening outbound — shaded on Commuter Rail schedules (except for folding bikes))
• Weekends - bikes are permitted all day.
• Bicycles are not allowed on a shuttle bus substituting for normal train service
• New Year's Eve and July 4th bikes are allowed except between 10 am and 6 pm inbound, or after 4 pm outbound. Summer weekends you can enjoy our Greenbush and Rockport Line bike coaches.
• Newbury/Rockport trains have summer seasons have Bike Coachs.  View Flyer 
• Follow the conductor's instructions when entering or exiting the train.
• On crowded trains where a bike would present an obstacle to other passengers, wait for a less crowded train (at the discretion of conductors).
• In a train emergency, stow your bike as far away from the aisle as possible.

Bus

Bike racks are mounted on over 70% of MBTA buses. Click here for bike rack-equipped bus routes. Due to temporary equipment shortages, some buses on a particular route may not have racks. More rack-equipped bus routes are being added over the next several years.

You can bring your bike on the bus if:

• The bus is equipped with an external rack Check here for bike rack-equipped bus routes.
• You have a folded folding bike.
• The bus is not a shuttle bus substituting for Commuter Rail or Subway service.

Using the Bus Racks

Each rack holds two conventional sized, two-wheeled bicycles. Approach the bus from the curb and let the bus driver know you are about to use the bicycle rack. You are responsible for loading, securing, and removing your bicycle form the bicycle rack. The MBTA is not responsible for stolen or damaged bikes.

 

To load:
Remove loose items from bike before the bus arrives. Avoid kneeling of squatting out of the driver′s line of sight.

1. Pull rack down by squeezing the handle in the center of the rack.
2. Place bike, front wheel first, into the rack wheel slot. Use the slot closest to the bus first.
3. Pull out support arm and raise it up over the front tire. Check that your bike is secure. Do not lock your bike in the rack.

To unload:

• Raise the support arm off the tire and move it down and out of the way.
• Lift your bike out of the rack.
• Fold the rack up if it is empty. Let the driver know when you are done.
• Never cross the street in front of the bus. Passing traffic cannot see around the bus.

Bicycle Parking

Bike parking facilities are located at most T stations and are for temporary storage of bicycles while customers utilize the MBTA system. They are available on a first come, first serve basis. Please park your bike so other cyclists can share the rack and remember to lock it!

"Pedal & Park" Facilities
Enclosed and equipped with video cameras and controlled door access for safety and security. They are currently located at Alewife and Forest Hills stations, with more on the way! A Bike CharlieCard is needed for access. Please don′t forget to lock your bike!

A Bike CharlieCard gives you Pedal & Park access.
Bike CharlieCards are free of charge and obtainable from station staff where Pedal & Park are located. It gives you access to Pedal & Park facilities systemwide — just tap the card at the Pedal & Park gate.

Bike Ports
Covered bike parking is being installed at many stations (50 arriving by Summer 2011) to provide protection from the elements. The Bike Ports are well located for safety and security. Please don′t forget to lock your bike!

Bike Racks
Over 95% of MBTA stations now have Bicycle racks and more racks are being added each year. Please don′t forget to lock your bike!

Bike parking rules

• Park your bike at designated bike parking facilities and racks. Bicycles secured to handrails, railings, doors, ramps, stairways, or in any way impeding station access may be removed by the MBTA without notice. If in doubt, cyclists should ask MBTA Station staff.
• Bicycles left for over two weeks will be considered abandoned and may be removed by the MBTA without notice.
• The MBTA is not responsible for any loss, theft or damage to any bicycle or related equipment that has been parked and/or abandoned in any MBTA station, facility, vehicle, or bike rack.
• Please make note of your bicycle′s serial #, as this will help us to identify your bicycle should this be necessary.
• To help prevent your bike from being stolen, be sure to lock both the bicycle frame and one or both wheels to the bike rack. 

REPORTING A STOLEN BICYCLE

MBTA Transit Police
(617) 222-1212

More Questions? Contact Jeremy Mendelson jmendelson@mbta.com for information on our Bikes and the T program.  Contact MassBike, the statewide bicycling education and advocacy group, for information about bicycle resources throughout the state. www.massbike.org.