Each bus’ bike rack will be able to hold two bicycles. These demonstations are a great way to become familiar with how they operate without the pressure of tight schedules and moving traffic. I have been using the GO Transit bus bike racks on various trips over the past week. I would say for all drivers, I was the first rider they encountered that used the bus bike rack. They are as new to the concept as all of us, so they were glad I had attended the Bike to Work demonstation beforehand.

The bus bike racks are simple to use once you have tried it once. It is also useful to learn expected courtesies and safety procedures:

• Make eye contact with the driver and signal your intention to use the rack;
• advance in front of the bus when acknowledged by the driver. This part was really appreciated by one GO Transit driver I was speaking with. He said, “there is one cyclist who  uses the bus bike racks. She is quite petite. When she is in front securing the bike, I lose sight of the top of her helmet when I sit back in my seat. If a cyclist doesn’t signal they are going up in front, I get concerned that they might not be seen by the driver. It is very important to let us know you’re intention of going in front of the bus before doing so.”
• Don’t lock your bike to the bus rack with your bicycle lock!
• Double-check to make sure the wheel clamp is secure before boarding the bus
• Remove saddlebags and any other accessories that could potentially come loose in transit.
• As a cycling citizen, remember to be courteous to the bus operator. They have a great deal of responsibility in their job. Make it a pleasure for them to have cyclists use their transit vehicle.

Details

Date: Thursday, June 18, 2009
Time:6am to 6pm
Location: City Centre Bus Terminal (Square One)
Address: 200 Rathburn Road West

Date:Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Time: 1pm to 6pm
Location: This demonstration is part of the Mississauga downtown Canada Day celebrations
Address:  City Centre Square

For more information on bikes on public transit, see Mississauga Cycling’s Bikes in Public Transit page.

Check the Mississauga Transit website and their Using Bike Racks page for further information. Mississauga Cycling has a section dedicated  to using bikes on public transit in Mississauga and surrounding cities.