Picture courtesy of University of Texas
On my previous post, I mentioned about the fact that Austin is a bike-friendly city with loads of nice special lane for bikes; well, that's not all. :D
I love Austin's bus transport! Why? They this great idea of allowing (environment-conscious) cyclist to take their bike along when they ride the bus! Sounds cool? It's awesome!
The buses in Austin, CapMetro are equiped with a rack in front of the bus which allows two bikes to be loaded on it. Two sounds little but it's way better than nothing.
The first time I tried it when I took my bike for the triathlon myself, I was apprehensive because I can't imagine putting my bike in front of the bus, dangling (almost). Here's how it goes: When you stop the bus and let the driver know that you're using the rack, he/she (it's not rare to have female drivers) lowers the bus using some hydrolic system (it looks cool when you see it yourself) and then you place your bike on the rack and lock it. Simple? Yup. Scary? Pretty much for the first 20 minutes.
I was restless in the bus, especially when the bus stops because I was kept having ominous picture of my bike getting trampled under the bus. Thank goodness, that didn't happen. I guess the rack is sturdy enough to hold the bikes.
I wish our (LambatKL) RapidKL buses have this bike rack...
RapidKL allows you to carry your bike into the buses if it is fold-able but only max 2 bikers at 1 time. If not mistaken, any transport owned by RapidKL also can.
ReplyDeleteHey Ian, thanks for info, I didn't know that. Come to think of it, this isn't practical for students or even low income people who in the first place would take the public buses. Folding bikes are way more expensive than a normal bike with comparable quality.
ReplyDeleteMost people would have a non-foldable cheap bikes (both of my bikes are non-foldable) and thus can't be allowed in our RapidKL buses. I believe only those well-off can afford such foldable bike and most probably they would have a car as well and they would'nt be taking the bus in the first place.
This rule from RapidKL is not effective to encourage the use of bicycles. They can definitely do better.
i have nvr see a foldable bike before
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