I’ve addressed this before, so I apologize for the repeat. The short version of this post is as follows: Yes, we can!
So to the jerk on the Metra today who snarled at me for taking up room and threatening to complain to the (newbie) conductor, bikes are permitted. I told him I was permitted, per the Metra website, provided my bike was in a bag (check) it was folding (check) and I wasn’t blocking the aisle or exit in use (check). He growled, a fellow commuter laughed, and he walked off.
It really chaps me off that when I calmly tell people that I did my legwork, I am permitted, and I can prove it, but they still insist I’m wrong. Once I called a guy on it and asked “Are you telling me I’m a liar, sir?” And yes, 90% of the people who give me grief about my bike are men. The few women who are irritated are usually very nice about the whole thing, and most of them go from annoyed to impressed when I explain it’s a bike. But for some people, they just don’t want to take my word for it, to the point that I’m thinking of printing up the webpage to wave in their faces next time.
You can click on the image to see it in full-size, or take my quote from 2009 Bikes on Trains Program from metrarail.com:
Folding bicycles in protective covers are permitted on all trains at all times but should not block train aisles or doorways.
I do not block the aisle, and the only ‘doorway’ I blocked was the one that doesn’t open between when I get on and when I get off. In fact, it’s the perfect place to be, since when we pull into the station, I’m the first off and it’s fast enough that no one should be bothered. And yet. People are.
Ah well.
Count down to Bike to Work week: 6 days!
If you want to know where the Bike Commuter Stations are, the awesome Meg made a Google Map for everyone. And on Friday, Mayor Daley’s giving out shirts and snacks at Daley Plaza – 50 W. Washington.