Bike commuters rejoice!  You are now free to move about the Bay Area. On your schedule.  BART has finally lifted its ever-existent blackout on bikes during commute hours.  This means more of us will be able to ditch our cars, get out of traffic, and reap the financial, health, and environmental benefits that a bike commute brings.

Allowing bikes at all hours will lead to more people using BART to get to work and school (that's really the point, after all).   More riders, more bikes on board and that precious Bike Space is sure to get filled quickly.

Folding bikes are the smart choice for your bike commute

One way to score a space on your daily commute is with a folding bike. Folding bikes are allowed on ALL trains; their smaller size helps keep the aisles and doorways clear; they're easy to carry (they even roll nicely while folded); and you can take them with you to work, as they fit nicely under your desk.

What are the rules now that bikes are allowed on BART?

• Bikes are welcome on all trains but never in the first car or any crowded car.
• During commute hours (7:00 to 9:00 am and 4:30 to 6:30 pm.) bikes are not allowed in the first three cars of any train.
• Regardless of any other rule, bikes are never allowed on crowded cars. Use your good judgment and only board cars that can comfortably accommodate you and your bicycle.
• Folded bikes are allowed on the trains at all times.
• Hold your bike while on the trains.
• Bicyclists must use elevator or stairs, not escalators, and must always walk bikes. 
• Bicyclists must yield priority seating to seniors and people with disabilities, yield to other passengers, and not block aisles or doors or soil seats. 
• In case of an evacuation, leave your bike on the train and do not let it block aisles or doors. 
• Bicyclists under 14 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
• Gas powered vehicles are never permitted.
• Bikes must be parked in racks and lockers.  Bikes parked against poles, fences or railings will be removed.

The East Bay Bicycle Coalition has posted these common sense tips on how to be a good bike citizen on BART:

• If a car is crowded, board the next car or wait for the next train;
• Keep aisles and doorways clear by leaning your bike against the wall. Stack bikes to conserve space and be thoughtful how you lean your bike against another bike;
• Take care to keep your bike from bumping into other people;
• Be ready to exit before your stop arrives to keep trains on time;
• Be especially courteous and respectful to other passengers;
• It is OK to board a car that is not crowded, only to watch it become crowded down the line. Be ready to exit as the train approaches your stop and announce to nearby passengers that you need to move to the exit. Try to get near the door before the train stops so that you can exit before other commuters board the car;
• Make an effort to be a ‘bike ambassador’ and if you see someone unaware of these rules, interject yourself and let them know that you need their support in order to ensure your bike commute is a bike-accompanied as possible.

Let us help you pick the right folding bike for your new commute

We have the knowledgeable staff to educate you and guide you to the right bike for your lifestyle (and to help you learn "the fold"). Test ride several; it's the best way to get to know what will work for you and your commute.  If you want to try one out for a few days or a week; we have a fleet of Tern folding bikes at our Rental shop in Jack London Square.

Check out our awesome selection of folding bikes today!