Bikes On METRORail

Guidelines and Rules for Cyclists

Whether you're an avid cyclist or a recreational rider, METRO helps you go the distance for commuting, running errands or exercising along the rail line.

METRORail Bicycle Guidelines

  • To ensure the safety of METRORail customers when the train is crowded, METRO police or METRORail personnel may restrict bicycles from being brought on board.
  • Cyclists under the age of 16 should be accompanied by an adult. If cyclists violate METRO policy, they may be asked to remove their bicycles from the station areas, platforms or trains.
  • Cyclists are responsible for their own bicycles and all actions, injuries, losses and/or damages resulting from their bicycles in station platform areas and on board trains.

Types of Bicycles Allowed on METRORail

  • Standard bicycle size restrictions are as follows: 80 inches long, 48 inches high and 22 inches wide (maximum width)
  • Bicycles must be free of debris and excess grease, dirt and sharp objects. Motor-powered recreational vehicles of any kind, tandem bicycles, tricycles and bicycles with training wheels are not permitted.
  • Bicycles that are folded or disassembled and enclosed in carrying bags are deemed "luggage" items and are permitted at all times.

Bicycle Rules at Stations / Platforms

  • Cyclists are prohibited from riding bicycles in the station areas, corridors, on platforms or in any covered areas.
  • Cyclists must not cause an inconvenience or possible injury to other customers.
  • Bicycle storage racks are located at the following stations: Fannin South, TMC Transit Center, Wheeler and Downtown Transit Center.
  • Any bicycle found at other METRORail stations will be subject to removal by METRO police.
  • Cyclists must always cross to the station platform at the designated crossing.
  • Cyclists should always wait for the train behind the white warning strip and should not allow their bicycles to interfere with passengers on the platform.

Bicycle Rules On Board Trains

  • Cyclists must wait until all passengers have cleared the doorway before moving their bicycles in or out of the train.
  • If available, the on-board location for cyclists and their bicycles is the mobility-impaired/senior seating area. This space allows the cyclists to fold back the seats so their bicycles can be placed out of the aisle.
  • Cyclists must remain with their bicycles and hold them firmly at all times, kickstands up, and not allow them to lean against other passengers or any part of the train (including but not limited to poles, seats or doors) nor block any seats or walkways.
  • If a mobility-impaired or senior customer boards the train, cyclists must give up the nearest mobility- impaired seat and move to another location.
  • In case of an emergency evacuation while on board a train and/or upon direction of METRO Police, METRORail personnel, or any law enforcement or fire official, bicycles should remain in place and be left on the trains.

Bicycle Safety Around METRORail

When riding your bicycle near the rail line, it is important to remember that METRORail trains travel along the street and are very quiet. Stay alert and always follow these safety tips:

  • Never stop on the tracks.
  • Cross the tracks only at designated crossings and only when it is safe to do so.
  • Look both ways before crossing the tracks. Trains travel in both directions.
  • Pay attention to and obey all traffic signs and signals. Never enter an intersection against the traffic lights. Police will issue tickets to violators.
  • Listen for train whistles, bells and horns.
  • Never ride or walk your bicycle around crossing gate arms.
  • Never race a train or try to beat the train to a crossing.

To learn more about METRORail safety and bicycles on trains, contact METRO Police Community Outreach at 713-615-6325.

 

Bike rider holds bike and folds up handicap symbol seats
Empty area across folded seats is another option to hold bike
Give up folded seats to customers who requires the space