Frequently Asked Questions about Bikes on BART
It is the responsibility of riders taking their bikes on BART to be familiar with BART’s Bike Rules. Violation of the bike rules are subject to citation under CA Vehicle Code Sec. 21113 and Sec. 42001.
1. Why doesn’t BART designate one car just for bicycles?
Because BART trains stop for only 15 to 30 seconds at almost all stops, attempting to load and unload all bicycles in one car will likely cause delays. BART’s strategy is to disperse cyclists along the length of the train allowing multiple bikes to enter and exit simultaneously—utilizing up to 18 doors rather than just two (since bikes are not allowed in the first car, a 10 car train has 18 doors on 9 cars for bicyclists to use).
It is also not possible to create a special bike car (by removing most of the seats) and have it consistently arrive in a predictable position on the platform. BART couples and uncouples trains several times a day often running shorter trains in the mid-day to minimize wear and tear and save energy. This process is influenced by variations in ridership demand, special events and vehicle maintenance cycles. Because of the variability and complexity of the process, it is not practical to have to have a bike car in a consistent location on each train.
For many passengers getting a seat is strong personal preference. Removing upwards of 60 seats from every train means at the end of the day that thousands of passengers who would have liked a seat will not get one. A significant portion of BART's riders during peak commute periods are people traveling more than 20 minutes one-way so seats are valued.
Lastly, BART does not have the option to simply add more cars because platforms fit a maximum of 10 cars and all BART cars that are not in maintenance are already in service each weekday commute period.
2. Why does the designated bike car work on Caltrain?
There are significant differences between BART and Caltrain that allow for a dedicated bike car to work on Caltrain and not on BART:
- Stopping times are much longer on Caltrain—typically 1-2 minutes rather than 20-30 seconds on BART. The longer stops give cyclists the time to enter, exit and organize bikes while the train is stationary without delaying departure.
- Caltrain does not disassemble trains so the two bike cars are always in fixed, predictable positions at the northern end of each train and the second car from the engine.
- A conductor is on each bike car to monitor the number of bikes and restrict them when capacity is reached.
- There are some seats in the bike cars, so that passengers can watch their bikes to guard against theft.
3. Is it true that folding bikes are allowed on all BART trains?
Yes, folded bikes are allowed in all cars at all times.
4. Why doesn't BART have vertical bike racks on the trains?
Two main reasons: 1) BART trains are too low to accommodate vertical racks, and 2) BART train dwell times at stations are too short to ensure that customers with bikes would have sufficient time to hang their bikes before the train begins to move. There is also concern that hanging bikes would swing as trains speed up and brake, posing a hazard especially on crowded trains.
5. Why aren't the straps on the BART bike bars longer?
The initial design for the straps provided on the bike bars was in fact a good deal longer, but this design proved infeasible to implement due to the potential for the straps to be sucked onto and obstruct the BART car air intake grate immediately below the bike lean bar on both old and new BART cars. Due to the very real potential for compromising the climate control and air filtration system on the cars, longer straps are unfortunately not possible.
6. Can I take my bike on an escalator?
Beginning January 1, 2024 bikes are allowed on all escalators in the BART system with the exception of 10 narrow escalators at the 19th Street, Oakland Airport Connector and Antioch stations. Bicyclists must yield to other passengers and not block aisles or doors. If you are taking your bike on BART, it's your responsibility to know and follow all bike rules; please read them.
7. Where is the safest place to park my bike at a BART station?
Bike Stations and bike lockers provide an extra level of security at most BART stations. These facilities are listed at bart.gov/bikes. If you park your bike at a rack, use a good quality U lock to secure it (cable locks are easily cut) and lock it in a location with as much activity as possible. View a video on bike parking here.
8. Is it true that bicycles should yield to passengers with disabilities and seniors?
Yes, as a courtesy, bicyclists must make space available for passengers with disabilities, as well as seniors. Federal regulation requires BART to designate space for seniors and persons with disabilities.
9. Why aren’t bikes allowed in the first car of a train?
In the event of an emergency the train operator needs to have a quick, unimpeded path through the first car to emergency controls and to provide assistance. This policy also provides a space for anyone who does not want to be on a car with bikes.
10. What do I do if the train car I want to board is crowded (and how can I find less crowded cars)?
Bicyclists should never board a train car that cannot comfortably accommodate them and their bicycle. Cyclists should wait for a less crowded train to board with their bicycle. Cars near the rear of the train tend to be less crowded so positioning oneself there increases your chances of finding an uncrowded car. The cars toward the center and near where escalators and stairs empty onto the platform tend to be more crowded.
11. What do I do with my bike if a train I’m already on becomes crowded?
You may remain on the train. Do your best to not impede passengers’ entry and exit paths. Use the “bike space” if available. If it is too difficult to exit the train, you may need to stay on for a couple stops until the train is less crowded before you exit.
12. Are e-bikes allowed on BART?
Yes, Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes are allowed on BART, subject to the BART Bike rules.
13. Are Scooters or Mopeds allowed on BART?
BART does not permit motorcycles, motor-driven cycles or mopeds, which are classified as vehicles and defined in the California Vehicle Code (CVC; info here), to be brought onboard trains. Individuals bringing any of these vehicles on a BART train may be cited for an infraction, as violating section 21113 of the Vehicle Code. Under CVC Section 670, a "vehicle" is "any device by which any person or property may be propelled, moved, or drawn on a highway, excepting a device moved by exclusively human power…."
Motorized scooters, including electric-assist scooters, are also considered vehicles and are prohibited inside BART stations and onboard BART trains unless they can be folded and carried. No special permit is required from BART for folding electric scooters, but they must remain folded and may not be ridden when inside BART stations and trains. Shared use, app-based electric rental scooters (e.g. Lime, Spin, Link, Veo, HOPR) may not be brought inside stations or onboard trains and must be parked appropriately outside the paid area.
14. Do people standing in the Bicycle Priority area have to move when a bicyclist comes aboard?
Bicycle Priority areas were designed as a place to store bicycles in the most efficient manner for the safety and convenience of all riders. If there is room for the people standing in the Bicycle Priority area to relocate when a bicyclist comes onboard, the bicyclist should ask politely if the bike can be placed in the Bicycle Priority area, although it is not a requirement for the passenger to move.