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This article introduces multimodal accessibility standards for transit operators to optimize the transit-to-bike user experience. It covers topics such as bike parking, bikes onboard, and last mile connections.
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Setting the Standard: An Introduction to Multimodal Accessibility Standards for Transit Agencies
The Question • --- How do transit operators optimize the multimodal (transit to bike) user experience? ---
Setting the Stage Cycling on the rise in cities across the USA • Bike ridership in the USA increased 62% between 2000 and 2013** • 39% Increase in transit ridership since 1995 • Faster than population growth!* Annual Transit Ridership http://www.bikeleague.org/sites/default/files/Bike_Commuting_Growth_2015_final.pdf http://www.ssti.us/2012/03/transit-ridership-continues-upward-trend-in-2011/ * APTA Factsheet, 2015 ** Growth of Bike Commuting, League of American Bicyclists, 2013
Setting The Standard • Establish a Series of Bicycle Mobility Standards & Best Practices for Transit Operators: • Address Major Issues • Bike Parking • Bikes Onboard • Consider All Modes & Related Facilities • Light Rail • Bus • Commuter Rail • Regional Rail • Metro • Establish a cross-sector, Interdisciplinary Work Group • Bike Advocacy Groups • Rack Manufacturers • Transit Agencies • Consultants
Implications For Transit – Dissecting the First & Last Mile • Catchment Areas • Core – Immediate Station Area • Primary – Mostly Ped trips • Secondary – 1-3 Miles from Transit; highest bike use • Rail/Transit operators are becoming more responsive to bike accessibility • Considerations for transit operators: • How to accommodate additional bikes with limited spaces without impacting current transit riders • How to facilitate last mile connections and create a seamless user experience http://www.apta.com/resources/standards/Documents/APTA%20SUDS-UD-RP-001-09.pdf
Factors Affecting Bike Linkages to Transit 2017 - Onboard Policy: • Peak hour restrictions? • Boarding locations & storage? • Are there permits or additional fees? • 2016 - Bike Parking: • What designs are optimal designs? • Where should it be positioned? • Additional security measures? http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/bikes-on-trains-first-great-western-nonsense
The Importance of Bike Parking • Good Bike Parking: • Easy & Immediate access to the bus/train • Inspires confidence • Decreases fear of theft/damage • Bad Bike Parking: • Increases hassle for users • Decreases security • Makes the idea of riding to work cumbersome http://www.makingspaceforcycling.org/ http://www.treehugger.com/cars/7-great-solutions-for-safely-parking-city-bikes.html http://www.flickriver.com/photos/jamesbondsv/sets/72157607516620380/ http://blog.brooksengland.com/wps/how-not-to-park-your-bike/
The Challenges of Bike Parking Parking Capacity • Build it and they will come vs. demonstrating need Placement • Determining the optimal positioning for access & safety Rack Typology • What are the best racks and why Communication with Cyclists • How do cyclists gain access to the parking • Especially important with more complex systems Bike Share • What are existing best practices? • What can Transit operators do to help?
Setting the Standard – Parking Placement & Installation Immediate Proximity To Station Facility • Line-of-site with station personnel if possible Mounting Mechanisms • In-ground – most secure; most labor intensive http://road.cc/content/news/143306-cambridge-cyclists-complain-station-bike-parking-cluttered-and-badly-managed https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_parking_rack#/media/File:ConcordWest-BikeRack.JPG
Setting the Standard – Rack Typology Adequate Security • Must be able to lock all major components independently • Wheels; Frame; Seat Shape & Composition • Parallel orientation • Galvanized steel – most cost effective • Stainless Steel – Most durable & corrosion resistant, higher price http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/2015-nyc-bike-map.pdf http://www.xpblocker.com/bicyclestorageracksbikeracksbikerackbikeracks-t-28_40.html http://www.madrax.com/OurCustomers/SchoolsUniversities.aspx
Setting the Standard – Parking Capacity Local Zoning Ordinances • What does the municipality have in place? • Often based on land use • Number occupants and/or dwelling units How Much For Transit? • Transit ridership as a metric http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/safety/pedbike/05085/pdf/lesson17lo.pdf
Setting the Standard – Messaging & Communication Wayfinding • Easy route to parking • Contextualized with station/local system Proper locking Instructions • Typical Infographics and/or language Polices & Rules • Hours, access, etc. Off-Site Resources • Webpage with system-wide bike information including bike parking at each station, special parking facilities and onboard procedures https://www.takeform.net/products/transit http://socalregion.com/bicycling/bicycle-parking/
Setting the Standard – Bike Share Transit Operators should seek to accommodate bike share: • Bike share is increasing • More than 50% of bike share users in cities with high transit usage frequently link bike share with transit trips* Adopt Existing NACTO Standard*: • Place in close proximity to transit stops to facilitate linkages • Place stations such that they do not impede pedestrian flow • Increase station density around high-volume transit facilities Additional Adaptation For Transit: • Encourage inclusion on transit property where possible *http://nacto.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/NACTO-Bike-Share-Siting-Guide_FINAL.pdf
Best Practices – Washington Union Station, Washington DC • Bike Station - WUS • Staffed 66 Hours per Week • Private changing room • Single-day lockers • Bicycle Repair Services • 24/7 Keycard Access for members • Directly adjacent to station https://asla.org/guide/site.aspx?id=36416 http://home.bikestation.com/bikestation-washington-dc http://www.wnyc.org/story/284878-dcs-transit-gets-more-like-the-rest-of-the-world-slowly/
Best Practices – Regional Transit District (RTD), Denver • RTD: Bike-N-Ride Webpage • BRING YOUR BIKE ON LIGHT RAIL • BRING YOUR BIKE ON COMMUTER RAIL • ROLL WITH BIKES ON BUSES • STORE YOUR BIKE • B-cycle Information • PARK-N-RIDE LIST: • All stations & parking facilities http://www.rtd-denver.com/Bike_n_Ride.shtml#storage
Best Practices – BART Parking • BART Civic Center Station Parking • Some racks positioned underground station for protection from elements • Visible to station agents • Immediate access to transit • Outdoor parking positioned under overhangs to protect bikes from elements http://www.sfweekly.com/thesnitch/2014/09/26/bike-parking-to-triple-at-civic-center https://www.flickr.com/photos/garysoup/1418746954
Let’s ensure mobility for the future with active connections to transit!