1 BIKES AND TRANSIT SANDY FRY CRCOG HARTFORD CT Westchester Bike Summit 2010 2 3 Bikes and Transit: WHY Expand the reach of transit networks Especially to low density areas Improve access to the economy for low income workers Can improve accessibility on both trip ends Expand Park n Ride capacity 4 Three Essentials for Coordination Getting to the stop Local access paths Bike parking at the stop Bikes on Buses 5 Experience in Connecticut Philosophy: Outfit the entire fleet Coordinate with major fleet replacement Timeframe: Stamford: September 2001 New Haven: September 2004 Hartford: November 2007 New Britain: April 2010 6 Installing Racks New buses are ordered with racks Retrofits of older buses: Cost of rack ~$800 Installation time: 4 to 8 hours Requires correct mounting bracket for the bus model 7 The Racks New Haven and Stamford: all stainless racks Hartford: some plastic 8 The Racks Easy to use 9 Rack Usage in Connecticut 10 Issues with Racks The racks decrease indoor storage capacity Add about 1 foot to bus length The plastic racks created problems for bus washer Occasional abandoned bike A fender bender will frequently require full rack replacement 11 Benefits of Program Convenience for bike commuters Mechanical difficulties Rainy day Park n ride Access for low income individuals Improved transit accessibility in low density areas GOODWILL! 12