Transporting Bikes

Transporting Bikes

Bike on Calgary bus ( photo by Calgary Transit)
Bikes go camping
Bike on taxi (photo by Checker Cabs)

Why Would You Want To?

Bikes are an excellent, affordable form of transportation, but there are plenty of reasons why you might not ride right from home all the way to your destination and back. You may live where it's busy, or want to see a different area; perhaps the weather turned bad or your bike needs to be repaired; maybe you're going for a ride with small children or are recovering from an injury and can't ride far. 

Or you registered for a course with Safer Cycling Calgary and need to get your bike to the course location. *wink* 

Whatever the scenario, riding your bike isn't the only option. Read on to learn other ways to transport your bike. 

How To Transport Bikes

Calgary Transit Bus
Many full size busses in Calgary have bike racks which fit up to 2 bikes. Calgary Transit (CT) aims to have bike racks on all full-size busses, but they aren't all equipped with a bike rack yet. Certain routes are prioritized but things like mechanical issues or weather challenges may result in a non-equipped bus being sent out. You may have to wait for the next bus or consider an alternative if the bus doesn't have a bike rack. The smaller shuttle busses do not have bike racks at this time. 

There is no additional cost to use the bus bike racks, and the driver is obligated to wait for you to load/unload your bike. The driver will not help you to do so. 

While most bikes will fit in these racks, some bikes may not, including some children's bikes, non-traditional bikes (recumbent) or heavy ebikes. More information on the specifications of the bikes that will fit can be found on the CT Bike page here. This page has a description as well as photos explaining how to use the bike racks, however, there are no videos: nearly identical racks are used in other places, though, and this is an excellent video to show you how to use these bus bike racks. 

After boarding the bus, stay at the front so you can keep an eye on your bike (ensuring it doesn't start to slip in the rack and that someone else doesn't take it) and to help you remember to take it with you when you get off. 

Folding bikes are the only bikes allowed on a bus, and they must be inside a carrying bag. 

In Conclusion

Whether you want to start your bike ride just a few kilometers from home or are planning a long journey before your get on your bike, there are ways to transport your bike so you don't have to ride all the way. Combining modes of transportation opens up many more places to visit, explore and enjoy. 

Don't hesitate to get in touch if you would like more assistance figuring out how to transport your bike in Calgary or want the document I created to help you get a carrier for your auto.

- Melissa Malejko, Owner of Safer Cycling Calgary

Currently Available Courses

First Time Adult: July 23, July 30, August 5 and more
First Time Child: August 5, August 6, August 27, September 2.
Beginner: July 22, August 6 - more can be scheduled
Intermediate Kids Summer camp: August 14-18 only

Beginner - riding pathway

Summer Camp!

Do you worry about your child's safety when they're riding their bike? 
Are you unsure how to teach your child how to use their bike for transportation? 
Is your child available the week of August 14-18? 

If you answered yes to these questions, we can help! We offer a 5 day summer camp for youth aged 9-15 to learn how to ride their bike for transportation and recreation in order to safely ride to school, friend's homes, parks, restaurants and more! 

Ice cream included.

ONE WEEK ONLY!

Register your child now to avoid disappointment!

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