Cycling has become a primary means of transportation for many Puget Sound residents. A network of regional trails, easily accessible bicycle facilities, and convenient bike-loading on transit vehicles has prompted an increase in the number of bike commutes in the region. Together, bicycles and transit provide more travel options. Riders have the opportunity to make longer trips and reach more destinations than ever before. Sound Transit strives to provide consistent and reliable bicycle access on vehicles during all hours of operation.
ST Express Regional Bus
ST Express vehicles are equipped with bike racks mounted on the outside front of the bus to accommodate up to two bicycles. Three-bike Trilogy racks are fitted on all buses operated by King County Metro, including cross-Lake Washington coaches. Bikes must be placed on the bike racks by the riders. Notify the operator that you are going to be loading your bike on the front of the bus. Bikes are not allowed inside ST Express buses.
When you are ready to leave and claim your bike, please exit using the front of the bus. Notify the operator that you wish to unload your bike.
You can ride free on any Community Transit, King County Metro or Sound Transit bus within Downtown Seattle's Ride Free Area (RFA) between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m., weekdays. Fares are paid when you exit the bus outside the RFA; you do not pay when you board inside the RFA. The operator will announce the last stop in the RFA.
Bikes may not be loaded or unloaded in the Ride Free Area (RFA) between 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. except at the first and last RFA stops. Customers may load or unload their bikes at the first or last stop inside the RFA boundary.
Sounder Commuter Rail
Passengers with Bicycles: Each Sounder car is equipped with tie-downs for two standard-size bikes. To locate the proper area for bike storage, board the car at the doors marked with a bike symbol. Passengers seated in this area should move when a rider with a bicycle boards the train or when asked by the train staff or security.
There is space for four additional bicycles in the vestibule of the car immediately inside the doors. Riders who store their bicycles in this area must remain with their bicycles. Unattended bicycles are subject to removal from the train at the next station. Sound Transit will not assume responsibility for bicycles which are removed.
Bicycles should not be stored in the Senior/Disabled priority seating area. On Sounder Commuter Rail this area is immediately inside the doors which are marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility. Passengers without disabilities should vacate these seats when asked by train staff or security.
Finally, please don't ride your bicycle on the platforms.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Federal Regulations (49 CFR Part 37, Sec. 37.167)
Tacoma Link Light Rail
Bikes are welcome onboard Link. Allow other riders to exit and enter the train first. Remain with your bike at all times; do not block stairs or aisles. Yield priority-seating to passengers with disabilities and to senior citizens. Bike riding is not allowed on Link station platforms. The train operator may require bicyclists to wait for the next train due to overcrowding.
Bike Lockers
To reserve a bike locker at Sounder stations, Overlake Transit Center, Federal Way Transit Center, DuPont Station or Mercer Island Park-and-Ride, call Sound Transit (800) 201-4900. There is a $15 non-refundable maintenance fee. A locker will be reserved for up to one year. Download and fill-out a copy of the Sound Transit Bike Locker User Agreement. Mail the completed form to the following address:
Sound Transit Attn: Customer Service
401 S Jackson St
Seattle, WA 98104-2826
Bike lockers at the Tacoma Dome Station are handled by Pierce Transit. Call (253) 581-8000 or (800) 562-8109 for details.
Bikestation
Bikestation (External Link) Seattle is located at 311 3rd Avenue South in downtown Seattle offering bicycle rentals, sales and repairs as well as secure indoor bicycle parking 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
With cyclists, Sound Transit supports TOTAL access:
T o the transit system
O n the vehicles
T hrough and across barriers created by the system
A t the stations
L ow-cost, effective and efficient
Cycling has become a primary means of transportation for many Puget Sound residents. A
network of regional trails, easily accessed bicycle facilities and permitting bikes on
transit allowed an increase in the number of bicycle commutes in this region.
Sound Transit is expanding on the strong transportation network for bicycle riders as it
implements Sound Move, the regional transit system plan, including Sounder trains, Link
light rail, ST Express buses, HOV improvements and park-and-ride facilities throughout
Central Puget Sound. The plan calls for a system that is easy to reach and use by
everyone - pedestrians, cyclists, people with disabilities and other transportation
customers. Sound Transit is committed to encouraging and providing bicycle access and has
adopted a policy of total access for cyclists - on transit vehicles and at stations.
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Regional Bicycling Guidemaps (external link) |
Bicycle access and facilities
Sound Transit works with local jurisdictions and communities to determine appropriate bicycle improvements such as creating or enhancing bicycle connections and posting signs on established bicycle routes within a half-mile radius of stations and transit centers. All Sounder train stations and Regional Express transit centers will supply racks and/or lockers for bicycles. The goal is for every cyclist to have access to storage. Sound Transit will continue to design facilities with adequate space for maneuvering bicycles through stations.
Bicycles on Sound Transit vehicles
Together, bicycles and transit provide more travel options. Riders have the opportunity to make longer trips and reach more destinations than ever before. Sound Transit strives to provide consistent and reliable bicycle access on vehicles during all hours of operation.
Cycling and public transit—making the link
"Bikestations," that can include facilities for parking, repairs, rentals, change rooms, route and transit information, are taking strides in linking cycling and public transit. Long Beach, Calif. pioneered the first bikestation - bringing national attention and redevelopment to the area while developing a bicycle commuting culture from scratch. Sound Transit is one partner in a regional grant project led by King County Metro Transit to create four demonstration bikestation projects at Everett, Montlake, King Street and the Tacoma Dome stations. The partnership has resulted in the opening of Bikestation Seattle, a new transit facility offering members access to public transportation, bike-sharing, and car-sharing services. It provides bicycle rentals, sales and repairs as well as secure indoor bicycle parking that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The facility is located at 311 - 3rd Ave. S.
An efficient transportation network
Sound Transit coordinates with other transit agencies such as Community Transit, Everett Transit, King County Metro, Pierce Transit, Washington State Ferries, Amtrak, as well as the Port of Seattle and Puget Sound Regional Council, to create a regional bicycle program that ensures cycling remains a viable part of the regional transportation network. Through regional grants and other collaborations, efforts will continue to focus on consistency in the development, use and evaluation of the facilities.
Public involvement opportunities
Community input is critical to the success of Sound Move. Bicycle transportation advocates as well as local, county, and station transportation and transit agencies helped shape the agency's bicycle access policy adopted in October 1998. Sound Transit established a Bicycle Leaders Team in December 1999 to create a stronger link between the bicycling community and Sound Transit. Comprised of representatives from local bicycle advisory groups, the Bicycle Leaders Team meets regularly to review plans for Sound Transit services and facilities to ensure bicycle access is encouraged and supported. For example, the Bicycle Leaders Team helped improve designs of transit centers, connections to Sounder commuter rail stations, and procurement of light rail vehicles to accommodate bicycles.
In addition, citizens are invited to get involved, to review station design, parking and connection improvement plans, to discuss issues with staff or boardmembers, and to use the system.
