Bike & Ride
It’s easy to bike around Chicago with CTA’s Bike & Ride initiatives.
Bicycles are welcome on CTA buses and trains throughout the year. You’ll also find bike racks at or outside most CTA “L” stations.
And bikes ride free, with any paying customer.
Use this guide to learn about using CTA with your bike, or, download our Bike & Ride Guide to Chicago (.pdf) brochure.
Taking your bike on the bus
You can take your bike on CTA buses at all times, every day, all year.
All CTA buses are equipped with bike racks, located on the front of the bus. Most regular, two-wheeled bikes fit into the racks.
How to bring your bike on the bus
Taking your bike on the 'L'
Bicycles are permitted on CTA trains (The 'L') every day, except during weekday rush periods (7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.). Up to two regular bicycles are allowed inside each car. Bicycles are also not allowed on July 3 and 4 or when trains are full.
Note: Certain railcars on the Blue Line have doors that swing inward and cannot accommodate bicycles. Only enter cars with green decals that show that bicycles are allowed inside.
If you need help getting your bike in and out of a station, see a Customer Assistant or other station attendant for assistance.
How to bring your bike on the train
Parking your bike
Bicycle parking racks are installed outside most CTA rail stations, and street parking is available near almost all of them. For improved security and weather protection, racks have also been installed indoors or in sheltered locations at over 80 stations.
Visit our System Guide to pick a train station and see if indoor or sheltered parking is available at your station.
Things you should know
- Anyone 14 years or older may bring a bicycle on a train or rack-equipped bus. An adult must accompany customers 12 and 13 years old. Children under 12 are not permitted to bring bicycles on CTA trains or buses.
- Bicycles are permitted only on railcars with sliding doors (look for the green decals near the doors indicating that up to two bicycles are allowed). Most railcars can accommodate bikes and at least two cars per train can.
- Let other customers board the train first. This reduces the chance of someone tripping over your bicycle.
- Priority seating is intended for seniors and customers with disabilities.
- If a rail station or a train is evacuated, leave your bicycle behind to ensure a swift and safe exit for you and all other customers. Store your bicycle on top of or in between seats and out of the aisles.
- To ensure proper safety of all customers, Chicago Police and CTA personnel may restrict bicycles from being brought on trains. This may happen if your bicycle is obstructing customer movement or there are already two bicycles in one car. Please follow their instructions.
- There is bicycle parking at many CTA rail stations. If trains are crowded or you don’t want to bring your bicycle on the system, utilize the approved parking area and ride the train.
- Cyclists assume all responsibility for any damage and/or injury that occurs as a result of their bicycle being on CTA property. This includes injury to the cyclist or other customers. A sudden stop by the transit vehicle does not remove responsibility from the bicycle owner for damages or injuries to other customers or themselves.
- Folding bicycles are allowed on CTA vehicles at all times.
- Motor-powered bicycles of any kind are not permitted on the CTA.
- For questions or comments, please contact us at bikeandride@transitchicago.com.
Related Bicycle Programs
Our sister transit agencies, Metra (metropolitan commuter rail) and Pace (suburban bus) also allow bicycles on their services.
Cycling Links