Bringing a Bike on RTD's Buses and Trains

Colorado’s warm weather, sunny days and mountain views make it a great place to bike. During the spring and summer months, bike riders of all ages and abilities use their two-wheeled companions to run errands, travel to work, or to explore the neighborhood trail system. But what happens when a bike rider’s destination is too far to reach by bike?

Prior to working in Denver’s Central Business District, Brandon Figliolino, RTD’s Senior Specialist in Community Engagement, previously worked in downtown Boulder. Like many Coloradans, Figliolino wants to shrink his carbon footprint and chooses to leave the car at home, when possible. However, living in north Arvada, his bike ride to his office in Boulder would take over an hour and a half, up and down the rolling trail that hugs the shoulder of US 36.

“Instead of exhausting myself biking to the office,” Figliolino said, “I chose to bike to the bus, which was about a 15-minute ride from my house.”

Almost all vehicles in RTD’s fleet of buses are equipped with bike racks, making it easy for bike riders to get a lift (the Free MallRide and Free MetroRide buses do not have the ability to hold bikes). Local buses can hold up to two bikes. Regional buses can accommodate even more inside the cargo holds underneath the bus.

When combining a bike ride with a bus trip, Figliolino reminds us to always be safe. “Before loading a bike on the bus, wait for the bus to make a complete stop, and let the operator know you are going to load your bike,” he said. “When getting off the bus, remind the driver that you’re going to retrieve your bike.”

Bicycles are also encouraged on light rail and commuter rail trains. When taking the light rail, riders must hold their bicycles in designated areas of the train car. Look for the bicycle logo on the platform to ensure that you’re bringing the bike into the appropriate area. Wheel the bike onto the commuter rail car and hang it from the hook in the designated bicycle storage area. Always walk the bike on the train platform.

Throughout the district, there is parking for over 1,200 bicycles on RTD property, including bike lockers and racks for riders who don’t want to bring their bikes on the bus or train. Some stations have Bike-n-Ride shelters that are card-accessed for added security, including two new shelters at the US36•Sheridan Station and US36•Broomfield Station along the Flatiron Flyer line.

Figliolino typically bikes to and from work, but on days when the weather turns or daylight wanes, he rolls up to Union Station and takes the train home.

“It’s reassuring,” he said, “to know that RTD is here for me when I need to give my legs a rest.”

By RTD Staff