The complete guide to bikes on BART

May was National Bike Month so we're making sure our readers know the in's and out's of bringing bikes on BART, year-round. If you're curious about bringing your bike on BART, or, maybe, you've mastered this process but want ideas on where to ride after combining a BART + bike trip, keep scrolling!

Bringing a bike on BART can be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. Below are a few simple tips to have a safe and pleasant BART+bike experience for yourself and your fellow passengers. 

Getting to BART

Become familiar with your local BART station's elevator location since bikes are not allowed on escalators for safety reasons. You can also carry your bike on the stairs or use the designated stairway channels as a second option. Stairway channels will enable you to roll your bike up the stairs quickly and can be found at the stations below.

• 19th St/Oakland
• 16th St Mission
• Warm Springs/South Fremont
• Lafayette
• Downtown Berkeley

Getting on the train

When queuing up for the train, try to find a spot on the platform where a passenger with a bike is not already waiting. This will give you the best chance of having the Bicycle Priority Area inside the train all to yourself. Avoid getting called out by train operators! Bikes are not allowed in the first car of any train. Ride BART enough, and you will inevitably experience someone trying to board the first car with a bike, the operator instructing them to move to the second car, and the sound of a collective groan from the train's passengers. Don't be the person that causes this!

When the train arrives, board as you normally would with your fellow passengers and move directly to the Bicycle Priority Area. Trains have two dedicated bike areas, so no matter which door you choose for boarding, a Bicycle Priority Area will be nearby. If people are standing in the Bicycle Priority Area, kindly inform them that the space is reserved for bikes. Are you boarding a Fleet of the Future train? Look for the green bike icons on the train doors that indicate the Bicycle Priority Area.  

To recap, the most important tips to remember are:

• For your safety, don't use the escalators.
• Don't board the first car of any train.
• Avoid boarding a very crowded train.

And it should go without saying, walk your bike in the stations or on the platforms.

Adding a bike to your commute

For those lucky enough to live within a few miles of a BART station, a bicycle is the best way to complement your BART trip and provide a first-mile, last-mile solution. BART's multi-modal trip planner offers interactive, real-time itineraries using BART, walking, and bicycling options, in addition to other forms of transportation. To plan a trip, enter your home/starting address and workplace destination. Select the Bike & Transit filter to create a detailed trip itinerary.

Bike Lockers

Two types of lockers are available to store bicycles, mopeds, or wheelchairs: on-demand BikeLink lockers and single-user keyed lockers.

On-demand BikeLink lockers are for shared use and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You'll need to download the BikeLink app for Apple and Android to use an electronic locker at any BART station.

Additional information on how to use the lockers can be found on the BikeLink website. To find a list of stations with on-demand lockers, go here.

The electronic bicycle lockers provide on-demand bike parking. Purchase a BikeLink smart card online or connect a Clipper card to your BikeLink account. Ride to an available locker and insert your smart card into the slot. Follow on-screen directions to put time on the meter. The cost, 3 to 5 cents an hour, depending on occupancy levels at the station, is automatically deducted from your smart card. Park your bike inside, close the door, and your bike remains secure. When you return to retrieve your bike, insert your smart card into the slot to open the door. Unused time and value are automatically refunded back to the card. Learn more about using electronic bicycle lockers or review a list of frequently asked questions on the BikeLink website. 

Single User Keyed lockers are for individual use and require a rental agreement. Note that some stations have wait lists. Download the application/rental agreement (.pdf). To find a list of stations with keyed lockers, go here.

Please contact (510) 464-7133 for locker availability.

BART is testing high-security bicycle parking at 16th St/Mission and Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre Stations.

Going beyond the commute

In addition to providing the first-mile, last-mile solution to your commute, a BART+bike trip can open your world up to previously unBARTable destinations. Check out the following features for ideas on your next two-wheeled adventure.

• Take to the road on these Bay Area bike adventures | BARTable

Get tuned up

Check out our favorite bike shops.

• Biking around the East Bay? Here are 3 shops to visit

Bike Share

Don’t have a bike? No problem! Check out Bay Wheels bike share by Lyft with locations at the BART stations listed below.

BART stations with BayWheels stations:

• 16th St Mission
• Glen Park
• Balboa
• North Berkeley
• Ashby
• MacArthur
• Rockridge
• Lake Merritt
• Fruitvale

We're trying to catch you ridin'.

Where will you ride? Show us how you're rollin' @SFBARTable #SFBARTable. Keep up with us on Facebook and Instagram  see all of the best BARTable events, places to ride and have fun around the Bay.