The Chainlink

Folding Bike Without A Bag Allowed on Metra?

Have any of you been allowed to board the Metra with a folding bike but without a bag during rush hour?  I assume you fold it of course, but was there an issue getting on?

What time was it at and what line?

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Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on April 26, 2012 at 8:56am
Thanks! I decided to not chance it
Permalink Reply by rb on April 26, 2012 at 8:56am

I would grab a garbage bag and put the bike in it. there is a fair amount of variance in how the Metra bike rules are enforced, really depends on the mood of the conductor- so having a bag of some sort should reduce any gray area and let you board the train. Bagged folders are allowed at all times.

Permalink Reply by Lee Roy on April 26, 2012 at 9:03am

I was just rode the Metra this past Monday with my Dahon. Taking the U P Northwest Line during Rush Hour. The conductors were there in the boarding area, and made sure I had my bike bag with me. They were friendly about it. The ticket agent also mentioned that I would need to have a bag for it. It's far better than getting on, and subsequently kicked off at a stop that is not your destination.

So, I would be prepared to have a bag with you during Rush Hour riding the Metra.

Permalink Reply by Chuckchuck on April 26, 2012 at 9:13am

Even better yet I put a hole in an Ikea bag so the seat can poke through and just drape it over.  It still rolls and won't get anyone dirty. I did this for two years after a conductor warned me a couple of times that he would not let me on a rush hour train.  Try to get there early and get the seat where the seat direction changes near the bathrooms.  You can keep it out of everyones way there.  Wish I were still multi-modal.

Another trick with a folder is to toss in the trunk of a car and use it for the last two miles and pay nothing for parking while working or meeting in the loop.  I actually paid for my bike several time over in savings.  Mine is a tiny 16 in wheel job and take up very little room. 

Permalink Reply by Melanie K on April 26, 2012 at 9:20am

I think Rob did that once- we have a full-size 26" wheel folding mtb, and I believe he just put a big trash bag over it and carried it on. I think the conductor may have questioned him about it, but let it go. It's all up to the conductor and agents there, so I would say 50/50 on letting you onboard without a bag. 

Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on April 26, 2012 at 9:25am
Great thoughts. I ended up taking the bus to the train which added at least 30 min to this leg (saw the bus go by). My afternoon leg to the metra will also be longer taking publc transit.

I always wonder how to carry a bag when u are biking. The garbage bag or ikea bag could work. I always knew those ikea baags had many uses.

As usual guys - thanks for the great tips! I knew within 20 minutes id have the answers I was looking for. Just should have posted last night!
Permalink Reply by Ride it like you stole it on April 26, 2012 at 9:07pm

I see no reason why you couldn't. I have seen several bring it on as luggage during the rush. I think the difference is, if it is bagged, you can leave it in the handicap/bike area. If it is not bagged, you have to keep it with you. There are plenty of travelers who bring luggage bigger then a folded bike on at all hours of the day.

Permalink Reply by daWillinChi on April 26, 2012 at 10:48pm

Julie,

Did you take your folding bike inside the bus, then?

Was it during rush hour?

I'm wondering if buses will let you put your bike on the front rack at any time of the day or does the rule about rush hour also applies to them?


Julie Hochstadter said:

Great thoughts. I ended up taking the bus to the train which added at least 30 min to this leg (saw the bus go by). My afternoon leg to the metra will also be longer taking publc transit.

I always wonder how to carry a bag when u are biking. The garbage bag or ikea bag could work. I always knew those ikea baags had many uses.

As usual guys - thanks for the great tips! I knew within 20 minutes id have the answers I was looking for. Just should have posted last night!
Permalink Reply by Jared on April 26, 2012 at 11:26pm

Bikes are always allowed on the racks on buses.

Just Will said:

Julie,

Did you take your folding bike inside the bus, then?

Was it during rush hour?

I'm wondering if buses will let you put your bike on the front rack at any time of the day or does the rule about rush hour also applies to them?


Julie Hochstadter said:

Great thoughts. I ended up taking the bus to the train which added at least 30 min to this leg (saw the bus go by). My afternoon leg to the metra will also be longer taking publc transit.

I always wonder how to carry a bag when u are biking. The garbage bag or ikea bag could work. I always knew those ikea baags had many uses.

As usual guys - thanks for the great tips! I knew within 20 minutes id have the answers I was looking for. Just should have posted last night!
Permalink Reply by djm on April 26, 2012 at 11:50pm

Not Metra, but Ive used a heavy-duty "contractor clean-up" bag to take my folder on Amtrak.  I bagged it in front of the ticket counter just before boarding and it wasnt a problem.  One of the agents started to object but a second agent pointed out that it was a bagged folding bike so all was well.

Permalink Reply by daWillinChi on April 27, 2012 at 12:23am

Oh sweet... Good to know!

Jared said:

Bikes are always allowed on the racks on buses.


Permalink Reply by Noah Weiss 1.2 km on April 27, 2012 at 7:50am
The only time I have taken a folding bike on Metra was on a Saturday, and I folded it (granted, it was a 26" Dahon Cadenza), and still needed to secure it.

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