6/14/05
This Chicago Transit Authority encourages customers to use their bicycles for a portion of their commutes during Bike to Work Week, or anytime.
Through its Bike & Ride program, the CTA provides an environmentally friendly option for customers to bring their bicycles on both buses and trains. All CTA buses are equipped with bike racks mounted on the front of the bus that carry two bicycles each and take as little as 30 seconds to load. Customers may use the racks any time during service hours.
The CTA allows two bicycles on each rail car at all times except two hours during weekday morning and evening rush periods (from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.) and during special events such as July 3rd when passenger loads are very heavy. Bikes are allowed on rail cars during all hours on weekends and folding bikes are allowed on CTA vehicles at all times.
For those who want to pedal to a rail station and complete their commute by ?L," bicycle racks are available at many stations, including 67 stations with sheltered bike parking or indoor racks for enhanced security. For a list of bicycle parking areas located at CTA stations, call the City of Chicago Bicycle Rack Program at 312-744-4600 or visit www.chicagobikes.org.
The CTA's Bike & Ride program offers a flexible, convenient alternative for cyclists and for CTA customers who want to divide their commutes between cycling and public transportation.
Participants in the Bike & Ride program pay the regular fare of $1.75 to board buses and trains. There is no extra fee to transport bicycles. Program guidelines prohibit children under the age of 12 from boarding buses and trains with bicycles, and an adult must accompany cyclists ages 12 to 17.
The CTA Bike & Ride program is a collaborative effort between the CTA, the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, the Chicago Department of Transportation Bicycle Program and the CTA's American with Disabilities Act Advisory Committee. For more information on the CTA's Bike & Ride program, or to request a free Bike & Ride brochure, contact CTA Customer Service at 1-888-YOUR-CTA or visit www.transitchicago.com.
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