Bikes on the T

 

(Updated February 2012)

Combine the convenience of bicycling with the convenience of using public transportation.

Bikes are allowed on the…

	WEEKDAYS	WEEKENDS
Blue Line	Inbound: YES, except 7-9 AM Outbound: YES, except 4-6 PM	YES
Orange Line	YES, except 7-10 AM and 4-7 PM	YES
Red Line	YES, except 7-10 AM and 4-7 PM	YES
Mattapan Trolley	NO	NO
Green Line	NO	NO
Commuter Rail	YES, except peak period/direction. Look for bike symbol on schedules.	YES
Ferry	YES	YES
Bus/Silver Line	YES, if a bike rack is available (see below).

 

Folding Bikes

are allowed on all MBTA vehicles at all times when completely folded. Bikes must be folded before entering fare gates.

 

Motorized vehicles

(Segways, gas-powered scooters, etc.) are prohibited at all times.

Holidays and Special Events

On December 31st and July 4th:

• Bicycles are not allowed on any subway lines, all day.
  
• Bicycles are not allowed on inbound commuter rail trains from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM or on outbound trains after 4:00 PM.

 

A special high-capacity bike coach operates on the Rockport Line from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The coach leaves North Station at 10:15 AM and 2:15 PM, and leaves Rockport at 12:00 PM and 5:10 PM.

 

BICYCLE RULES

Subway & Commuter Rail

• Enter stations through the wide fare gate. Carry your bicycle on the stairs or use elevators. Do not ride inside stations or use escalators.
• Subway cars allow only two bicycles per car, at the ends of the car. On Commuter Rail, please follow the conductor's instructions. Stay with your bike and keep aisles and doors clear.
• Be prepared to wait for the next train if a train is too crowded to accommodate all passengers and your bicycle.
• Bicycles may be prohibited if trains are too crowded, including during special events.
• Seniors and persons with disabilities have preference over bicycles.
• Customers with disabilities may bring bicycles on MBTA vehicles at all times when used to accommodate the customer's disability.
• Cyclists under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
• In an emergency evacuation, leave your bicycle on the train and clear of aisles and doors.
• In the event of a rail outage, substitute shuttle bus service may not have bike racks.
• Passengers failing to abide by the regulations or follow the direction of MBTA officials are subject to removal from the system. 

Ferries

• Please follow the directions of the crew.
  
• In the event of severe weather, ferry service may not operate. Please plan ahead.

 

Buses

Bicycle racks are mounted on the front of many MBTA buses, and more are being added. All non-electric buses are expected to have bike racks by the end of 2012.

• You can bring a standard two-wheel bicycle on any bus with a bike rack.
• Remove bags and loose items before the bus arrives. Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and let the bus driver know you are about to use the bike rack.
• Each rack holds two bicycles. If the rack is full, please wait for the next bus. Bicycles cannot be brought inside the bus at any time.
• Folding bikes may be brought inside any bus at any time when completely folded.
  
Click here for a list of bus routes with bike racks.

Using the Bus Bike Racks
You are responsible for loading, securing, and removing your bicycle.

To load:

• Squeeze the handle in the center of the rack and pull the rack down until flat.
• Place bike, front wheel first, into the rack wheel slot. Use the slot closest to the bus first.
• Pull out support arm and raise it up over the front tire, or rotate lever to secure front tire.
• Check that your bike is secure. Avoid kneeling or squatting out of the driver's line of sight. Bikes cannot be locked to the rack.
• Let the driver know where you will be getting off, and sit near the front of the bus to watch your bike. The MBTA is not responsible for stolen or damaged bikes.

To Unload:

• Exit through the front door and let the bus driver know you will be removing your bike.
• Raise the support arm off the tire, or rotate the lever.
• Lift your bike out of the rack.
• If the rack is empty, squeeze the handle in the center and fold it up until it locks.
• Move your bike onto the curb and let the bus driver know when you are done. Never cross the street in front of the bus. Passing traffic cannot see around the bus.
• Wait for the bus to depart before getting on your bike.
  
  

 Bicycle Parking

Bike parking facilities are located at most T stations for temporary storage of bicycles on a first come, first serve basis, while customers use the MBTA.

"Pedal & Park" Facilities
These enclosed facilities are equipped with video cameras and controlled door access for safety and security. For access, ask for a free Bike CharlieCard from a station official.

Pedal & Park facilities are now open at: 
    • Alewife 
    • Forest Hills

New Pedal & Park facilities will open in 2012 at: 
    • Ashmont 
    • Braintree 
    • Davis 
    • Malden 
    • Oak Grove 
    • South Station 
 

Bike Racks
Over 95% of MBTA stations now have bike racks. Covered bike parking is being installed at many stations to provide protection from the elements.

Bike Parking Rules

• Park your bike at designated bike parking facilities. Be careful not to block pedestrian access. Bicycles secured to handrails, railings, doors, ramps, stairways, bus stops or in any way impeding access will be removed without notice. When in doubt, ask a station official.
  
• Lock the frame and both wheels with a strong lock. How to Lock Up Your Bicycle. 
  
• No motorized vehicles are permitted in stations or parking facilities.
  
• Bicycles left for over two weeks will be considered abandoned and may be removed and donated. Please help us keep spaces available by reporting abandoned and improperly parked bikes to Customer Support Services at (617) 222-3200. 
  
• Record your bicycle's serial number to help us identify your bicycle in case it is stolen and recovered. Report stolen bicycles to MBTA Transit Police at (617) 222-1212.

Please note that the MBTA is not responsible for loss, theft or damage to any bicycle or equipment on MBTA property. Cyclists are legally responsible for any damage to MBTA property and/or for injury, loss or damage sustained by passengers or MBTA employees resulting from cyclist's negligence.

Questions?

Contact Dan Webber for more information on our Bikes and the T program.

Contact MassBike, the statewide bicycling education and advocacy group, for information about bicycle resources throughout the state.