Latest news with #bikeRacks
RNZ News
11 hours ago
- Automotive
- RNZ News
Auckland buses to get bike racks so cyclists can travel across Harbour Bridge
Auckland Transport says bike racks will be on 1/3 of its North Shore Express buses by July 21. Photo: 123RF Cyclists on Auckland's North Shore can finally take the bus across the Harbour Bridge. Buses in the city do not have bike racks - the only public transport option for those taking bikes across the harbour is to catch a ferry. But from July 2025, 15 North Shore Express 1 buses running every 3 to 15 minutes between Albany and the city centre will be getting bike racks. By 21 July, Auckland Transport said bike racks would be on 1/3 of its North Shore Express buses. Unlike other public transport operators across the country which have front-mounted bike racks on the outside of their buses, AT's bike racks were inside with passengers. Head of Public Transport Services Pete Moth said having bike racks would not reduce the number of passengers the buses could fit, although some people might have to stand. "We removed three banks of two seats, six seats in total. "When bikes are not being used we can actually get nine passengers standing in that space." He said cyclists could expect roughly every third NX1 bus to have a bike rack with two available bike spaces. He said AT consulted a public transport accessibility advisory group to ensure bringing in bikes would not negatively impact accessible seating. "We can adequately fit wheelchairs, pushchairs, mobility scooters as well as bikes into the space." Head of Active Modes Tania Loveridge said they were pleased to be taking the first step towards having bikes on buses . "People have been calling for the chance to take their bike across the Harbour Bridge for some time. "We've been looking at this for the better part of a year in terms of exploring opportunities and how that best could be done. "There was a trial undertaken prior to Christmas as an initial phase one and now it's about rolling out this as a trial for the coming 12 months and we're looking forward to hearing what Aucklanders say about it." Buses with cycle racks have a green cyclist symbol on the outside of the bus. The AT Mobile app and eventually digital signage screens at bus stops would also show which buses accommodated bikes. Councillor and cyclist Chris Darby. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly Councillor and cyclist Chris Darby said having the bike racks on the NX1 gave North Shore commuters another option to get to work and University. "It's [the NX1] one of our very busiest bus routes. It carries a lot of people and of course, you've got a bridge in the way and you can't cycle over that. "This particular solution comes a small way to bridging that barrier of coming across the harbour by bike." He said keeping bikes inside the bus meant drivers did not have to worry about bikes falling off the bus if they were not secured properly. Fiáin d'Leafy from Bike Auckland said they had been pushing for bikes on buses, particularly for North Shore services. "We've been campaigning for a way to cross the harbour with our bikes so this goes some way towards addressing the glaring gap. "It gives people a lot more mobility and freedom to use their bikes for their trips between the North Shore and the city centre and we're really excited for that." With City Rail Link construction impacting train services, d'Leafy wanted to see bikes racks on more buses sooner than later. "We would love to see bike racks extended. Especially to buses that are being used as replacements for the trains. The train allows us to take a bike on board. Having a bus replace a train where you can't take your bike onboard the bus is not a true train replacement." They encouraged cyclists to be courteous of other bus users when bringing their bikes on board. Head of Public Transport Services Peter Moth said if their 12-month trial period went well, they would look at installing bike racks on more services including NX2 and the Western Express 1 buses. He said AT was not ruling out also having front-mounted bike racks in the future. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Jacksonville expands free bike rack program to curb theft, sidewalk clutter
As cycling grows in popularity across Jacksonville, so do challenges for riders, ranging from bike theft to blocked sidewalks. Now, the City of Jacksonville is expanding a free program designed to address both issues. The initiative, called JaxRAX, installs sturdy metal bike racks in public spaces and outside local businesses. The goal is to provide cyclists with secure parking options while keeping sidewalks clear for pedestrians. 'Over the years, I've had five bikes stolen,' Matt Fall, the city's Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator, said. 'Especially now, with so many people using e-bikes that can cost $1,500 or more—you don't want to just lock it to a parking pole.' Fall said around 20 to 25 racks have been installed so far, with plans to add more every few months. The city is encouraging residents and business owners to request installations in areas that need them most. The program offers a simple solution to a growing urban problem, aiming to reduce sidewalk congestion and improve safety while supporting the city's long-term push toward more non-motorized transportation. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] 'If the city later on has an e-bike share program that really gets people out biking, this will really be necessary,' Fall said. 'We need places to lock things up.' City officials say plans are underway to expand the JaxRAX program beyond downtown Jacksonville. In the Murray Hill community, narrow sidewalks and limited bike parking are a daily concern outside many businesses. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Anyone interested in having a rack installed can contact the city's Bicycle and Pedestrian Office. The JaxRax request form and web page is here. City code requires that new developments install bike racks, just as they require vehicle parking, but some businesses/locations have been 'grandfathered-in' years ago and don't have any bike parking, so this program can help those retailers. Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
