Bike Traffic - April 2005

April 2005

Metra: All Bikes Aboard!
Rail Network Opens Doors to Bikes After 20 Years' Opposition

By David Callahan

Bicyclists will have at last won access to Metra commuter trains under a proposal the rail network's board is expected to approve later this month.
The new guidelines, which could take effect as early as June 1, call for bike access to specified cars during off-peak weekday hours and on weekends.

Passengers bringing bikes aboard would not be charged extra.

Metra's proposal, which was presented to its board on March 11, also complies with legislation that the Illinois House unanimously approved two weeks prior, after prompting from Lt. Gov. Patrick Quinn and petitioners mobilized by his office and the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation. CBF Program Director Randy Warren was among those who testified before the House Mass Transit Committee in favor of House Bill 467, which is sponsored by Rep. Marlow Colvin and 27 members of the House. HB467 will remain on the Illinois Senate calendar until a program is in place.

Metra Executive Director Philip Pagano told the Metra Board that the addition of more than 400 wheelchair-accessible cars makes the new service possible.
Warren said Metra's change of heart opens a new chapter in CBF's work toward winning commuter rights for bicyclists on Metra. "This is a place to begin," Warren says. "Of course, we would like to see the service expanded to reverse commute times and eventually rush hours, with the proper train car configuration."

Still, Warren said, the new service represents more than an amenity for recreational cyclists. In particular, off-peak commuters for whom connecting bus services are unavailable will now benefit.

The proposed program would allow, at no extra charge, standard-sized bicycles carried by adults or an accompanied youth age 12 and older. Bikes would be permitted on all train lines and all stations during weekends and non-rush periods except for blackout periods during special events, such as Taste of Chicago, Blues Fest and the Air and Water Show.

Weekday non-rush hours are proposed as 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and after 6:30 p.m. Up to two bicycles would be allowed in each of the accessible cars on a first come, first served basis. This would leave some accessible space on cars beyond the space taken up by bicycles. Cyclists would be required to leave the train at any time if the space is needed for travelers with disabilities. Bicyclists would not be allowed to board crowded trains. Bicyclists must supply a bungee cord or similar device to secure their bikes in the designated area. Covered folding bicycles would continue to be allowed on trains at all times.

For more information regarding the Bikes on Metra program, go to www.biketraffic.org/Metra.

Other Legislation

Support is building for the Complete Streets bill (Senate Bill 508), which would require routine accommodation of bicyclists and pedestrians in all Illinois road projects, "unless exceptional circumstances exist." The bill is sponsored by State Sen. Edward Maloney of Chicago's South Side, and is under consideration in the Illinois Senate Transportation Committee.

Many of the roads in the Chicago area are incomplete because they were designed and built only with motorized vehicles in mind, too often discriminating against those who, out of choice or necessity, travel on foot or bicycle.

The bill would bring the Illinois Department of Transportation in accord with standards already enacted in other states, as well as in DuPage County, which a year ago enacted its "Healthy Roads Initiative" requiring routine accommodation of bicyclists and pedestrians.

David Callahan is managing editor of Bike Traffic