The bike rack, which has room for three bikes, was installed
last month on a DMT bus. Public Transportation Director John Metzinger said the
sample rack was provided by the manufacturer to DMT for testing and
demonstration. He said employees are becoming familiar with how to use the
rack.
Metzinger wants to install bike racks on the entire fleet to
help extend the reach of public transportation and to enhance use of bicycling
in the community. He said that he is not aware of any riders using the bike
rack, but is not surprised since only one is installed. Several riders have
inquired about bike racks and are wondering when they will be available on all
buses, he said.
“Installation on the entire fleet is necessary to enhance
use,” Metzinger said. “If they are installed only intermittently on the fleet,
riders will not be able to count on being able to take their bike with them.”
Metzinger said bikes are not allowed inside of buses for safety reasons.
Metzinger estimates costs to buy bike racks for all the
buses at $12,000. He said DMT employees would handle the installation in house.