SMART - Bike Rack Instructions

How to use the Bike Rack

All SMART fixed route buses are being equipped with an industry standard bike rack that is reliable, easy to use, and quickly secures up to two bicycles. (The rack will not accommodate tandems, tricycles or most recumbents). The rack is constructed of black tubular steel, a spring loaded swingarm, for securing bikes, and is stainless steel (silver) locking and release lever.

Please know that the cyclist, not the coach operator, is responsible for all aspects of placing, securing, and removing their bicycles. (Coach Operators are familiar with the use of the bike racks; however, they can not physically assist riders with the placing of bicycles on the racks). SMART cannot be responsible for loss or damage to personal property such as bikes, accessories and other equipment.

When not in use, the bike rack folds up against the front of the bus.
The following directions are printed on the bike rack to assist riders:

1. Pull handle up to release and lower rack
2. Place front wheel here
3. Pull hook out and over tire
4. Pull handle to fold rack

1. Pull Handle up to release and lower rack

As the directions on the rack indicate, cyclists must first lower the rack before placing their bike upon the rack. Squeeze the silver release lever by pulling the silver handle upward, and then gently lower the rack to the horizontal position.

2. Place your front wheel here

Place your bike on the rack in the location closest to the bus with the front wheel and the handlebars towards the curb. If a bike is already on the rack, the front wheel and handlebars should be street side, away from the curb. Again, look for the directions indicating to “Place your front wheel here.”

3. Pull hook out and over tire

Pull out the curved spring-loaded swingarm, lift up over the front tire and place the hook as close as possible to the bicycle’s head tube. Your bike is secure. Enter the bus.

Upon exiting the bus, be sure to inform the bus driver that you will be removing your bike from the rack.

Remove the bike by first lifting the hook and swinging the spring-loaded swingarm back down to the original position. Lift the bike up off the rack.

4. Pull handle to fold rack

BE SURE to fold the rack back up to the upright, vertical position (if no other bikes are on the rack).

Step to the curb and wait for the bus to pull away.

Additional Information:

There is no additional fare for riders with bikes
SMART Connector Buses are NOT equipped with bike racks
Each bus carries two bikes at a time on a first-come first-serve basis. Bikes are NOT allowed inside the bus at any time
The driver cannot get off the bus to assist you, but he or she can give you instructions
Bikes in the racks do not touch other bikes, the bus or other vehicles
Bikes are transported at the owner’s risk
Bikes may not be locked on the rack
Cyclists must be able to load and unload their bikes without assistance
SMART is not responsible for bikes that are stolen, left on racks or damaged due to improper loading

Safety Tips:

When loading and unloading maintain as much eye contact with the operator as possible
Remove or secure water bottles, pumps or any loose items that might fall off
Be sure to load and unload bikes toward the curb. Do not expose yourself to traffic when loading and unloading
When deboarding the coach please remind the operator you are going to be removing your bike from the rack
Avoid kneeling or squatting out of the operator’s line of sight
Wait until the bus moves away before riding your bike