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Bikes on Buses

Bikes on Buses

Bikes on Board

A young boy placing his orange bike onto an AC Transit bus

Loading Your Bicycle 

AC Transit buses (except Tempo) are equipped with bike racks at the front of the bus that can hold two or three bikes. To load your bike:

  1. Signal to the operator that you want to load your bike. Make sure the operator sees you before stepping in front of the bus.
  2. Squeeze and pull up on the rack handle to release the folded rack. Lower the rack until it clicks into place.
  3. Use the inside slot first. Two bikes will face in opposite directions.
  4. Lift your bike onto the rack, fitting the wheels into their respective slots.
  5. Pull out and raise the support arm over the top of the front tire as high up as possible. Do not lock your bike to the rack.
Loading a bike onto the bike rack. First, lower the slot, place bike in slot using indicated direction, then secure the support arm.

Unloading Your Bicycle 

  1. Before exiting the bus, tell the operator you will be unloading your bike and exit through the front door.
  2. Raise the support arm up and off the bike's front tire, then lift and remove the bike from the rack.
  3. If no other bike remains on the rack, squeeze the handle, then lift up and return the rack to its upright position.
  4. Return to the curb with your bike as quickly as possible so the bus can proceed.

Watch the "How to use our Bike Rack" video below to see bike loading in action. For more detailed loading instructions, see our brochure.

Bike Racks on Tempo

  • Bikes can be rolled on board through the rear doors and into a bike rack inside the bus. Please secure your bike in the rack. If space is full, please wait for the next bus.
  • Bike racks are available at some Tempo stations. Any bike left at a station for more than 72 hours will be sent to AC Transit's Lost and Found.
  • Visit our Tempo Bikes on Board page for detailed information on boarding your bike into the bus.

Scooters on Board

Non-collapsible powered scooters are not permitted onboard AC Transit buses or in the MCI vestibule area. Collapsible or folding scooters are permitted. However, they must be controlled by the individual carrying them and not left in the aisle or ADA seating areas.

Sharing the Road

Communication is key to buses and bikes sharing the road safely. Bus operators are required to signal when pulling to the curb at bus stops. Listen for the signal sound of an overtaking bus, then signal and pass the bus on the left when clear. Never pass between the bus and the curb!

Keep in Mind

  • You may only load and unload bicycles at AC Transit bus stops.
  • You must load and unload your own bike. The bus operator cannot provide assistance.
  • Space on the rack is available on a first-come, first-served basis. If the space is full, please wait for the next bus.
  • Remove locks and bags prior to placing your bike on to the racks.
  • Bicycles are allowed inside buses between midnight and 5:30 a.m. weekdays and between midnight and 9 a.m. weekends and holidays, if the rack is full and there is room inside. Exception: Bicycles are never allowed inside MCIs (the big, green commuter coaches).
  • Bike racks are designed to accommodate two-wheeled bicycles (no tandems) with a wheelbase of up to 44 inches and a wheel size of at least 16 inches, weighing up to approximately 75 pounds, with a maximum tire width of 3.2 inches.
  • Bikes can no longer be stored in the cargo bay on new MCI buses. Use the three-position racks at the front of the bus.

Lost and Found

  • AC Transit is not responsible for loss of or damage to bikes on buses.
  • For lost bikes, submit a claim here or call AC Transit Lost & Found: (510) 891-4777. AC Transit Lost & Found staff will notify you the next business day if your bicycle is recovered. All unclaimed items are retained by AC Transit for 90 days.