Chapter 4
Transit

Bicycling and public transportation are each alternatives to the private automobile. For many people, however, neither form of transportation can compete with the automobile’s travel range, flexibility, and speed. But when bicycling and public transit trips are combined, they can be as convenient as car trips, and are often quicker and more relaxing, without the automobile’s environmental impacts. This chapter identifies five objectives designed to improve bicyclists’ access to transit.

Improving bicycle access to Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) stations and trains (Objective 1) will encourage bicycling and increase transit use. Key strategies include designating a person to coordinate implementation of the recommended CTA strategies; considering bicyclists’ needs in the planning, design, and operation of CTA’s trains and stations; and providing more capacity and storage options on CTA trains.

Permitting bicycles on Metra trains (Objective 2) on a year-round basis would significantly expand bicyclists’ travel options and range. Bike racks on CTA and Pace buses (Objective 3) have greatly expanded bicyclists’ mobility; widely publicizing these programs will increase usage.

Providing secure bike parking at train stations (Objective 4) is a low-cost, effective way to encourage bike-transit use and helps reduce the demand for automobile parking, pick-up, and drop-off. A key strategy is to establish another bicycle station, with secure bike parking, showers and/or changing facilities, lockers, and bicycle rental and repair.

Marketing the bike-transit connection (Objective 5) – informing the public of the services available and providing incentives – is an inexpensive, effective way to encourage this combined use.