Bike Metro

Welcome to Bike Metro!  You can increase your mobility by riding your bike to and from Metro Rail and Bus stations.  Whether you decide to take your bike on board or park it at the station, Metro has many solutions to assist cyclists to where they need to go.

Bicycles are allowed on Metro Rail with some restrictions during peak hours.   See “Bikes on Rail” tab for more information. 

Bicycle racks are available first-come, first-serve on Metro buses. Information is also available on how to utilize the bike racks available on Metro buses.

Bicycle racks and lockers can be found at many of our stations throughout the system. Refer to our locker and rack map to find the nearest location to you.

Please refer to our Pocket Guide for instructions and rules for taking your bike on Metro Bus or Rail; locations on bicycle parking; and information on bicycle laws, safety tips, and other tips to assist you in using your bike.

If your bike is accidentally left on the bus, please visit the Wilshire Customer Center.  They are located at 5301 Wilshire Blvd (at La Brea) and open between 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.

If you observe a safety or security problem, call 323.563.5000.

Tips for successful bicycle commuting:

• Determine your route to work; due to road and traffic conditions bike routes are often necessarily different from driving routes.
• Talk to your employer, discuss any special arrangements and locate the bike in a secure area at your workplace.
• Preview your bike route by driving it during actual commuting times to get accurate conditions and time estimates.
• Perform regular maintenance checks on bike and equipment.
• Maintain a healthy bicycling diet and have water/liquids readily available during your ride and even snacks for a longer cycling trip.
• Dress for the occasion – wear a helmet and comfortable clothing, pack a change of clothing appropriate for the workplace and a toiletry kit to freshen up when you arrive.
• Get an early start as you begin your bike commute program and allow enough time to arrive for work on time.

Bike Rules

• Most Metro Buses are equipped with bike racks that hold two bikes. If the rack is full, please wait for the next bus.

• Be prepared at the bus stop and remove loose unsecured items (i.e. bags and helmets) and take them with you onto the bus.

• You are responsible for loading, securing and unloading your bicycle from the rack.

• Never step into traffic while loading or unloading your bike.

• Never cross in front of the bus to enter the street - passing traffic cannot see you coming around the bus.

• If an object rolls under the bus, never try to retrieve it. Tell the operator and wait for the bus to pull away, then retrieve it.

• Before you reach your stop let the bus operator know you will be retrieving your bike from the rack.

• Tandem bikes or bikes with motors, solid wheels, large racks, child seats or other attachments are not allowed.

• Folded bikes can be taken on the bus.

About the Bikeway

The Metro Orange Line is a transitway built especially for Metro Liner vehicles. Adjacent bicycle and pedestrian facilities provide a truly integrated transportation experience. Connecting to stations by bicycle saves you money on gasoline and wear and tear on your car. You can use the bicycle parking available at each station or take your bike on the bus.

At the western end of the line, from Canoga, cyclists will be riding along regular city streets and sidewalks to the Warner Center area. Eastbound, most of the route is an off-street bike path until the Valley Village area. At Chandler, the bike path becomes on-street bike lanes to the North Hollywood Station.

Rules

Weekdays: bikes are allowed on trains except for the following times and directions:

• Folded bikes are allowed on the train at any time.

• There are no restrictions during weekends and holidays.

• Allow other passengers to exit and enter the train before boarding.

• If an arriving train is crowded, you must wait for a train with available room. Law enforcement may ask you to wait.

• While on a train, you must hold onto the bike and kickstand must always be up.

• Your bike must not block the train operator's door, aisle ways or train doors.

• Give priority to wheelchair passengers in designated areas.

• In an evacuation, leave your bike on the train; do not let it block aisles or doors.

• In stations, you must use elevators or stairs-not escalators.

• You cannot ride a bike or other wheeled device on the platform or in the station; walk with your bike.

• Tandem, 3-wheeled, or fuel-powered bikes are not allowed.

• Bicyclists under 14 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

• Failure to obey rules may result in you receiving a citation.

Metro seeks to improve access and mobility for bicycling in Los Angeles County. At the same time it is important for people to be informed about bicycle safety guidelines and the rules and rights pertaining to cyclist.

On-Street Bike Safety Tips and Guidelines:

• Obey traffic signs, signals and follow roadway lane markings.
• Ride in the same direction as traffic.
• Signal your intentions when turning, stopping, or changing lanes.
• Ride in a straight line and do not weave between parked cars.
• Keep a safe distance from parked cars
• At intersections and driveways pay attention to vehicles that may enter your path.
• Don’t pass vehicles on the right.
• When riding at the same speed of traffic ride in the middle of the lane.
• Allow cars to pass when riding slower than traffic and when safe to do so.
• Use extra caution when it is raining and allow extra time to stop.
• Avoid road hazards such as sewer grates, road debris, manholes, etc.
• Cross railroad tracks at a right angle.
• When biking on a path, trail or sidewalk slow down and yield to pedestrians
• Use lights, reflectors, and wear reflective clothing.
• Wear a helmet; persons under 18 years of age are required to by law.
• Wearing headphones on both ears when riding is prohibited by law.
• Keep your bike properly maintained to operate safely and efficiently.
• Carry repair tools, a spare inner tube, patches and a pump.

Cycling Safely with Buses

• Be aware. Pass to the left of the bus. Buses frequently pull over at stops and merge with traffic when picking up and dropping off passengers.   
• Yield. When bus operators signal their intent to change course when approaching a stop or merging back in with traffic, allow the bus to do so and give plenty of room.
• Be seen. Buses have large blind spots making it difficult for operators to see you. Stay in view of the bus operator mirror where they he/she can see you or stay ahead in front of the bus if the bus is making frequent stops.

Cycling Safely Around Trains

• Be extra cautious when approaching Metro Rail tracks. Tracks can be slippery.
• Cross railroad tracks at a right angle or straight on. Avoid leaning and turning since tires can easily slip on tracks.
• Obey signs and signals at train crossings. When crossing lights and arms are activated, a train is approaching. Never attempt to cross.
• Be extra cautious when approaching Metro Rail tracks. Tracks can be slippery.
• Cross railroad tracks at a right angle or straight on. Avoid leaning and turning since tires can easily slip on tracks.
• Obey signs and signals at train crossings. When crossing lights and arms are activated, a train is approaching. Never attempt to cross.

Laws regarding the operation of a bicycle can be found on the DMV website  from the California Vehicle Code.