Bikes on Board | CTtransit - Connecticut DOT-owned bus service

Bikes on Board

All CTtransit buses have bike racks. Buses can carry a maximum of two bikes, on a “first-come, first served” basis. Only single seat, two-wheeled bikes will fit in the racks. Combining bike riding with the bus is a great way to relieve traffic congestion while you keep fit and save money.

Collapsible personal vehicles, such as collapsible bicycles, and e-scooters are permitted to be transported onboard the bus. They must be folded, secured by the vehicle owner, and stored out of aisles and exits. They may not be transported in the mobility device securement area. Non-collapsible personal vehicles are not permitted. Gasoline-powered personal vehicles, such as mopeds, are also prohibited.

At the bus stop

Be prepared for the arrival of the bus. Be off your bike so the bus operator will recognize you are waiting for the bus.
Bikes are only permitted on the exterior bike racks. If the bike rack on the approaching bus is full, you must wait for the next bus.
Wait until the bus has come to a complete stop.
Let the bus operator know you will be loading a bike, and keep in the operator’s sight.

When loading your bike (Exterior Loading)

When approaching or leaving the bus, be aware of the bus operator’s blind spots and avoid them. As a word of caution, areas behind the wheels on both sides are blind spots outside the range of the operator’s mirrors.
For your safety, do not step into traffic.
It is the policy of CTtransit that bus operators cannot leave the bus or help load and unload bicycles.
Once loaded and secured with the support arm, the bike is held firmly in place and you are ready to board the bus.

Safety

It is the policy of CTtransit that bus operators may decline to transport bicycles that obscure the clear view through the windshield, or impede their safe operation of the bus.
Bicycles are transported at the owner’s risk. CTtransit is not responsible for damage to improperly secured bicycles, loss due to theft, or bicycles forgotten by owners.
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
You may use a personal bike lock to secure your bicycle to the rack.

When you reach your destination

Remember to take your bike! Inform the bus operator that you will be unloading your bicycle.
If there are no other bikes in the rack, please fold up the rack when you have removed your bicycle.
Wait until the bus moves away from the stop before getting on your bike.

CTfastrak Customers

Boarding the bus

Once other passengers have entered the bus, board the bus with your bike at the rear door marked with a bicycle symbol.
Keep your bike on your left side as you board. The platforms at the station are designed to match the height of the bus floor. If you are boarding where there isn’t a platform lift up the front wheel of your bike to roll it onto the bus. Regardless of whether you are boarding from the road or a platform, stand on the right side of your bike and keep your bike on your left side when entering through the door of the bus with the bicycle symbol.

Place your bike in the bike rack (Interior Loading)

Place your bike into the bike rack by either rolling it in or lifting it in.
On the wall adjacent to the bike rack is a securement strap. Reach back and secure the strap around the frame of your bike. Secure the strap to the Velcro.
Do not block the aisle or steps.
If you haven’t paid a fare proceed to the front of the bus and pay your fare at the farebox. If you have valid proof of payment, there is no need to use the farebox, enjoy your ride!

Exiting the bus with your bike

At the end of your ride, remove the securement strap off the frame of your bike.
As a courtesy pull the stop request cord to alert the bus operator that you will be unloading your bicycle.
Allow passengers around you to exit. Roll or lift your bike off the bus onto the station platform, road or sidewalk.

Each CTfastrak station has bicycle racks if you choose to park your bike instead.