1. Setting the Standard:
An Introduction to Multimodal Accessibility Standards for Transit Agencies

2. The Question
--- How do transit operators optimize the multimodal (transit to bike) user experience? ---

3. Annual Transit Ridership
Setting the Stage
39% Increase in transit ridership since 1995
Faster than population growth!*
Cycling on the rise in cities across the USA
Bike ridership in the USA increased 62% between 2000 and 2013**
Annual Transit Ridership
* APTA Factsheet, 2015
** Growth of Bike Commuting, League of American Bicyclists, 2013

4. 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

5. 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

6. Factors Affecting Bike Linkages to Transit
Bike Parking:
What designs are optimal designs?
Where should it be positioned?
Additional security measures?
Onboard Policy:
Peak hour restrictions?
Boarding locations & storage?
Are there permits or additional fees?

7. 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

8. 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?

9. 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
Cambridge, UK station

10. 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
Perpendicular design limits the amount of contact between bike and rack.
Schoolyard/grid racks no good… generally poorly constructed.

11. 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
FHWA bicycle parking and storage course from 2006

12. 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

13. 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
Transit stations tend to have higher ped volumes *

14. 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
$96 Annual
$12 Monthly

15. 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

16. 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

17. Establish Working Group & Work Plan
Next Steps
Establish Working Group & Work Plan
Create Initial Document Outline
Literature Review and Research
Final Document Review & Approval

18. Let’s ensure mobility for the future with active connections to transit!