BART will allow bicycles on trains during commute hours the week of March 18.
This is the second test period to see if bicycles and commuters can mix during the morning and evening rush hours when BART trains are most crowded.
From 1998 to 2008, many BART stations have seen an increase in the number of BART passengers who ride bikes to and from stations.
There was a 90 percent increase at the Castro Valley station, a 73 percent increase at the San Leandro station and a 16 percent increase at the Bay Fair stop. The Fremont and Union City stations, however, experienced 30 percent and 24 percent decreases during that span of time.
. BART also surveyed passengers in September about their feelings toward bicycles during commute hours.
“Our first pilot offered us great insight, but Fridays in August tend to be slow and another round of testing and customer feedback is required before permanent changes to our bike access policy are considered,” said BART Board President Tom Radulovich.
In the March 18-22 test, bicycles will still not be allowed in the first three cars of trains during commute hours. They will be allowed on during all other cars at all times.
Riders will also be able to participate in another survey to express their opinions.
