slipknot0129

Theres some new public transit in my area. I live on gravel roads so I might have to ride 4 miles to the highway then they would pick me up. Trouble is I might wanna bring my bike with me but they dont have a bike rack I dont think. Its a transit from my native american tribe. Should I ask them if they could put a bike rack on their busses? https://www.seminolenation.com/services_transit.htm

That would save me 15 miles if I used the transit to go up then bike back home.

Doohickie

They might just let you bring your bike onto the bus. I would call them and ask about bicycle accommodations and see how they handle it. If they have no suggestions, ask if you can just bring the bike on.

Inertianinja

can't hurt to ask; might even get by just working something out with each individual driver.
if they're concerned about safety, you could lock it to a pole inside the bus so it can't move around.

when i bring my bike on the train or subway, i usually go to one end of the train and do my best to keep it out of everyone's way.

jputnam

I used to take my bike on the bus before all the local fleet had bike racks. Not every driver was OK with that, but enough were that I could get around. It might help to be very neatly dressed and extra friendly the first time you try -- never get a second chance at a first impression.

Might also ask the transit agency if they have looked for grant funding to buy bike racks -- bike racks make a bus "intermodal", which sometimes can qualify for grants.

Juha

+1 on contacting them and asking. If that fails, how about a folder?

--J

cyclezealot

Bike racks are so commonly found in many American transit systems.. It should not be a big deal.. Transit systems are run by public authorities.. There should be a way to appeal to them at some public meeting... One problem I had with bike racks. There were so many passengers putting their bikes on the buses, I gave up and ended up riding anyway; because I got tired of waiting another 20-30 minutes for the next bus..

wahoonc

That happens quite a bit here in the Charleston, SC area. I have seen 2-3 buses in a row go buy with the racks full. Not a bad thing, unless you were wanting to ride that bus. One of the reasons I would seriously consider a folder if I had to commute by bus down here on a regular basis.

The area I live in isn't nearly as good, not all buses have bike racks, yet, and they only run on the hour.

Aaron

cyclezealot

I well know about those buses that run on the hour.. Once It was getting close to dark.. I did not bring a light. ( always be prepared .) THought I'd get home early by hitching a ride on the bus.. When the bike rack was full, I had to ride home. Minus a light at night... Not good.. But, better than waiting around another hour on a cold night..

Esteban32696

Maybe ask the driver, nicely, if you could enter the bus from the rear & sit back there with the bike. Once you " became friendly " with him, it may be OK. If not, petitition the Tribe to install racks, but like mentioned above, racks will hold 2 bikes, so you may have to wait.

cyclezealot

^.. I've tried that trick twice..... ONce it worked, once it did not .. The time It worked, I had extenuating circumstances.. I had run over a field of glass when traffic forced me into that minefield of debris.. My rear tire was trashed. Told the driver I could not get home , due to my ruined tire..The bike rack was full. He said it's against the rules, but because of my situation , he said I could if I take off a front wheel so it won't roll and put it between empty seats in the back...
The time they refused. When it was the last bus and I had no light for riding home in the dark.. That time, also, the bike racks were full..Same bus system and he said putting the bike on the bus would be against the rules.. Other than the bike racks, the bus was mostly empty.. Bureaucrats. !. Never, fear it's rare i'd rather not ride the full distance home..

slipknot0129

Im kinda shy so I will try to ask them on the phone.

no1mad 

Which tribe? IIRC, you're in Wetumka? Prolly the Creek then, but not for sure. Just Google your tribe and you should find the tribal government site.

slipknot0129

Seminole. I posted the link to the public transit on their page im talking about. https://seminolenation.com/services_transit.htm

neilfein

The folks in the commuting forum might have some ideas on this. If you absolutely can't get the bike on the bus, you might consider getting a folding bike if one is within your means.

no1mad 

They aren't going to use the racks that most people are familiar with on those vehicles. You might inquire if their fleet as receiver hitches (tow hitch) and if they might consider getting some hitch-mounted racks for bicycles.

Chris_W

If you manage to get the transit company to install racks, then get everyone to watch this awesome instructional rap video:

Dahon.Steve

I would suggest getting a folder but if the gravel makes this impossible, buy a cheap mountain bike. Get the New York Chain and lock the bike about two blocks from the stop. It would be better if you can find a location away from foot traffic that's hidden. A much better solution than asking the driver to bike a full size bike inside the cabin of the bus!

slipknot0129

Their number is only for leaving messages so Ill ask if I scheduled a ride. Ill scheduled it at my home address just to see if they drive out to my house on my dirt roads.