BIKES AND TRANSITSANDY FRY CRCOG (HARTFORD, CT)

Westchester Bike Summit 2010

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

Three Essentials for Coordination Getting to the stop

Local access paths

Bike parking at the stop

Bikes on Buses

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

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

The Racks

New Haven and Stamford: all stainless racks

Hartford: some plastic

The Racks

Easy to use

Rack Usage in Connecticut

STAMFORD NEW HAVEN HARTFORD50 110 235

786848

1,5165,058 12,6147,103 20,2516,752 24,8667,630 25,406 16,7626,650 23,701 18,669

20052006

ANNUAL BIKE RACK USAGE

Fleet Size

200720082009

YEAR200220032004

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

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!