FrontRunner commuter rail from Salt Lake City to Ogden opens Saturday, April 26, 2008. At that time they will do free trial runs from 2pm onward...
But what about your bicycle?
"Mr. Kinney discussed ways to promote cycling within the community. He said UTA is looking at implementing a program that would allow bikers to lock their bikes in an enclosed locker at all Front Runner (commuter rail) stations. There will also be bike storage areas on the Front Runner train so bikers can take their bikes all the way to their destination. Hopefully, these options will decrease the number of cars coming and going from the station. He said Centerville can help promote this program and encourage people to bike rather than drive. "
- http://www.centervilleut.net/displayarticle2057.html
I scoured the Internet for pictures of these supposed bicycle onboard storage areas, but came up empty-handed.
I did find this brief blurb:
"Bikes are permitted on the lower level of bi-level FrontRunner cars in the designated area near the exits."
- http://rideuta.com/projects/commuterRail/overview.aspx
I am worried it is set up in the same tired way that the UTA Trax is, and that people will have to stand next to their bicycles or face harrasement from trax cops, dirty looks from passengers and general hell for being a cyclist.
Anyone else find any pictures of the UTA FrontRunner onboard bicycle storage?
If you find something, post it here. You will be rewarded with much needed bike karma.
Hey Zed, thanks for the comment on my blog. When I walked through the frontrunner cars during their press conference it didn't look like there was much of a system for securing bikes (the requirement that would allow cyclists to sit down). But that was like a year and a half ago, so maybe they have retrofitted something. Or maybe there was something that folds out of the walls in the entry/exit area (it's roomy) that secures the bikes. Either way, we'll find out this Saturday!
ReplyDeleteOh man, that'll be so cool!
ReplyDeletedo you know if UTA Ed-passes work on the front runner? Lets do some ogden runs on our bikes and critical mass those buggers! They'll go CRAZY!
Yes, University of Utah Ed passes are the full/premium/express/frontrunner/everything passes. They don't cut corners in that regard.
ReplyDelete"I am worried it is set up in the same tired way that the UTA Trax is, and that people will have to stand next to their bicycles or face harrasement from trax cops, dirty looks from passengers and general hell for being a cyclist."
ReplyDeleteYou've gotta be kidding me! What would you propose they do? Give bikes a whole car all to themselves?
I rode Trax with my bike all winter and didn't have a problem standing with it all the way from Salt Lake to Sandy. If you're sitting in a seat and your bike is taking up another seat and the isle expect "Harassment", "Dirty looks", and "General Hell". Just keep in mind that you're not getting them because you're a cyclist. You're getting it because you're being a jerk.
xclient101x you have the qualities of a troll. I can understand a valid argument, but personal attacks on me and your pretensions along with the dramatics you present do nothing but flame the discussion. Maybe you find no ills in standing with your bicycle, but even if the rules are obeyed with the two bicycles to a train at the back of the train they still create a very real burden for individuals getting off and on.
ReplyDelete-the jerk.
They could have some sort of vision and do bike storage like they do in some places in Europe or in California. That is, they have two rows of hanging, sliding hooks. If you're going a longer distance you put your bike on the hooks on the back row. If you're going a shorter distance, you hang your bike on the front hooks. The hooks slide from side to side so you can move the bikes in front out of the way to get to the bikes on in the back. It's a great system, and in a train it's very easy to simply add another car if you need more room (unlike a bus).
ReplyDeleteI personally think that on a light rail system it's fine if you stand. But on a longer commute, there's no reason not to make it more comfortable for all of those riding.