Bicycles can be an important part of making the bus work for you. All RTA and South County Transit fixed route vehicles have bike racks. Our large transit buses have bike racks on the front and the back of the bus with the capacity to carry three bikes each. Did you know that RTA is one of the very few bus systems in the US that has two sets of bike racks? It’s true! We actually don’t even know of any others that have two racks. It’s a testament to how much SLO County riders love their bikes.
Watch our video to learn how to load your bike into the bus bike rack.
Bicycle Policy:
- Bike racks are first come, first served. Bicycles may be boarded at any established bus stop. RTA is not responsible for lost, damaged or stolen bicycles. Oversize, gas-powered bikes are not accepted.
- Some bicycles, such as tandems, recumbent, tricycles and children’s bikes will not fit. Standard two wheeled bikes only! Both wheels must fit in the slots of the rack. Bikes must be able to be secured without extra measures like bungee cords.
- Electric bikes must have the yellow sticker that marks it as ‘approved’ on the top tube before loading. Stickers can be purchased at Bike SLO County at 860 Pacific St #105, San Luis Obispo, CA. If the bike is too heavy to lift into the rack then it should not be in the rack. Bikes with child carriers or other equipment, which significantly obstructs the bus operator’s vision, are not allowed.
- Bikes may not travel with excessive luggage attached; it must be removed and brought on board and stored behind any forward facing seat or held on the rider’s lap. Lightweight panniers or handlebar bags are acceptable.
- Fill the front bike rack first. Bikes should not be loaded in the rear rack if there is still room in the front.
- Ensure the bike rack is closed and locked in an upright position after you remove your bike if it is the last bike on the rack
- When a bike is left on the bike rack, it will go to RTA lost and found at 253 Elks Lane, San Luis Obispo. Call ahead to confirm that we have your bike to (805) 541-2228 ext 4. You may need to leave a message.
- When the bike racks are full, folded bikes with wheels 20” or smaller are allowed on buses if the chain is covered or the chain is between the wheels. These cannot block the narrow center aisle or doors. They are restricted to the larger front or rear areas.
- On the last trip of the night, if all 6 bike rack positions are full, a bike rider may bring their bike onboard the bus.
