Write a Letter To Support Legislation
Allowing Bicycle Racks on Commuter Buses
The Problem:
State law currently prohibits the installation of a front-mounted bicycle rack on buses that are longer than 40 feet in length. Unfortunately, this means that approximately 18% of Golden Gate Transit's bus fleet does not have bike racks, making it impossible for bike-to-transit commuters to gage whether the bus that arrives at the stop will have a bike rack or not. This creates a level of uncertainty that discourages bike commuting.
Background:
Legislation enacted in 1998 (AB 1851, Wayne, Chapter 560) amended the Vehicle Code to allow use of folding bicycle racks - not to exceed 36 inches when fully extended - on the front of urban buses and trolleys. These urban transit vehicles - many of them articulated (recognizable by their accordion-style middle) - may be up to 60 feet long. At the time, no one envisioned the growing demand for "over-the-road," commuter buses, which offer express bus service over greater distances than urban transit vehicles. Commuter buses - typically 45 feet in length - are precluded under current law from being equipped with front-mounted bicycle racks. These "long" commuter buses are also the new style of bus which is becoming extremely popular with bus operators.
The Solution
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission is sponsoring legislation - SB 367 (Sher) and AB 1409 (Wolk) - to amend the Vehicle Code to permit commuter buses to be equipped with folding, front-mounted bicycle racks.
Supporting Arguments
The Bay Area has embarked on an ambitious expansion of regional express service, adding to express commuter buses already in operation by AC Transit, Golden Gate Transit, Vallejo Transit, County Connection, LAVTA, and Tri-Delta. Moreover, most of the region's urban bus fleet is already equipped with front-mounted bicycle racks. Removing the restrictions on front-mounted bicycle racks on 45-foot express buses is critical to improving bicycle access to the region's transit network.
What You Can Do
Send letters of support to Senator Byron Sher and Assemblymember Lois Wolk, supporting their respective bills. Letters should be mailed to:
- Senator Sher (SB 346), State Capitol, Room 2082, Sacramento, CA 95814, and to
- Assemblymember Wolk (AB 1409), State Capitol Room 6012, Sacramento, CA 95814.
Sample Letter of Support
Date
The Honorable Name of Legislator
State Capitol
Room (Include #)
Sacramento, CA 95814
Dear Assemblymember (or Senator) Name of Representative:
I am writing to express my support for SB 346 (Sher) and AB 1409 (Wolk). These bills would amend the California Vehicle Code to allow transit providers to install front-mounted bicycle racks on buses that are 45 feet in length.
At the present time, State law prohibits the installation of bike racks on these commuter coaches. Thus, bus systems in the State of California are not permitted to install bike racks on 100% of their buses. This creates a high level of uncertainty for the bicycle commuter who wishes to combine bicycling with transit. As a result, many people who want to bike to work have to drive to make sure that they arrive on time.
I believe that the State of California should be doing everything possible to encourage people to switch auto trips to bicycle and transit trips. By allowing bicycle racks on the 45 foot commuter buses, the State would be helping to encourage alternative modes of transportation, thus helping to improve air quality and decrease traffic congestion.
I understand that bike racks have been in use on the 45-foot commuter coaches in Colorado, with no reported safety problems. In addition, California State Law permits bicycle racks on "articulated" buses that are up to 60 feet in length. It appears to be a "loophole" in California State law that currently prohibits bike racks to be installed on 45-foot buses.
Thank you for authoring SB 346 and AB 1409, this will encourage more people to bicycle for transportation and make a seamless connection between bicycles and transit.
Sincerely,
Your name
Your address
Your phone number
