Bikes & Buses

Santa Cruz METRO encourages customers to bike and ride on our Transit System.

This information is intended to answer questions about METRO's Bikes on Fixed Route Buses policy in order to make your travels pleasant and safe. It is also available as a printable publication.

  • All METRO buses are equipped with front-mounted racks with space for three standard size bikes.
  • Use of bicycle rack is free to fare paying customers, on a first-come, first-serve basis. One bicycle per customer.
  • Bicycles may be loaded at all posted bus stops. You can request that the operator kneel the bus for your convenience.
  • Bicycles are not permitted inside the buses (except as described below).
    • Folding bikes are allowed on the bus on a space available basis. Bikes must be folded and stored out of the aisle and controlled by the owner at all times.
    • Standard size bikes are allowed on the Hwy 17, Routes 40, 41, & 42. Up to (2) bikes can be accommodated inside the bus as long as the bus is not already at full seated capacity. (Hwy 17: You may only board bikes inside the bus at the Diridon Station southbound, Cavallaro Station northbound or Pasatiempo if northbound trip deos not serve Cavallaro Station).Bikes will be stored in the accessible area and secured with straps obtained from the Operator.

NOTE: Individuals using wheelchairs and people whom we accommodate in the front seating area have priority over bicycles. You may be asked to remove your bicycle from the bus.

Loading Your Bike

Before the bus arrives, get your bike ready by removing any oversized equipment, or loose items not permanently attached, that might impair the Operator’s vision or fall off the bike.

  • Tell the Operator you will be loading a bicycle.
  • Load from the curbside only!
  • For your safety, do not step beyond the Operator’s side of the bus.
  • If the rack is empty, please use the slot furthest away from bus.
  1. Pull down to release folded rack.
  2. Lift your bike onto the rack, fitting wheels securely into the labeled slot.
  3. Raise and release the support arm over the top of the tire. Rest the support arm close to the frame of the bike.
  4. Visually inspect that your bike is secure in the rack.
  5. During your ride, please keep watch over your bicycle, this will help ensure that it is not forgotten.

Unloading Your Bike

As you approach your bus stop be sure to gather all personal items.

  • Please inform the Operator that you will be unloading a bicycle.
  • You may request that the Operator kneel the bus for easier removal of your bike.
  • Exit through the front door so the Operator can prepare properly.
  1. Raise support arm to free wheel.
  2. Lift your bicycle from the rack, being careful not to step into the lane of traffic.
  3. If rack is empty, return to upward position by squeezing rack handle and lifting.
  4. Return to curb and wait for bus to leave before entering traffic.

Bicycle Safety Tips

Santa Cruz METRO wants to help promote vehicle responsibility and safety when sharing the road with cyclists. Here are a few tips:

  • Always wear a helmet.
  • Please use signals and follow the same rules as motorists.
  • Please keep within the 5' allowance of bike lanes.
  • When riding in wet weather or at night please use headlights, reflectors, tail-lights and bright clothing to help make you more visable.
  • Remember, if you can't see the Operator's eyes, the Operator can't see you.
  • Do not ride between the curb and a vehicle turning right.
  • Please walk your bike at all Transit Centers.

Bike Locker Rentals

There are over 100 bicycle lockers in nine locations in Downtown Santa Cruz where you can rent a safe and secure storage locker for your bicycle. The ParkCard needed to use this service can be purchased at:

 

The City of Santa Cruz Parking Office
124 Locust Street, Santa Cruz
(located at the Locust Street Garage, corner of Cedar Street and Locust Street in Downtown Santa Cruz).
Or online at http://bikelink.org
Questions? Call (831) 420 - 5160

Important Information

  • METRO is not responsible for any bicycle loss or damage that occurs on METRO property or buses.
  • Bikes secured at all METRO Transit Centers must be in bike racks only, otherwise they will be removed
  • Operators are not allowed to assist you with the loading or unloading of your bike
  • For lost or forgotten bicycles please contact Security at the METRO Center or contact Customer Service
  • METRO requires legal photo identification when claiming a lost bicycle.

For more information, please contact Customer Service.