Chicago Rail Will Allow Bikes on All Trains

Metra will make its Covid-era bike policy permanent and install bike racks to accommodate more bikes on train cars.

1 minute read

January 31, 2024, 9:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Chicago Metra heavy rail commuter train on track with trees in background.

Bruce Leighty / Adobe Stock

A new policy on Chicago’s Metra commuter rail system will make its pandemic-era policy of permitting bikes on all trains permanent. Metra will also install new bike racks on 50 train cars, reports AJ LaTrace in Streetsblog Chicago.

“This change comes after Metra recorded the highest number of bike trips made using the system. According to Metra, 260,000 bicyclists took trips on the system in 2023, which the organization says is higher than pre-pandemic years.” (LaTrace points out that before the pandemic, cyclists were not allowed to bring bikes on trains during all hours).

According to LaTrace, “While Metra has allowed bikes on trains since 2005, they were only permitted in the ADA area of train cars, and bicycle riders were turned away at stations if too many bikes were already on board.” The new policy includes regulations on maximum bike dimensions and prohibits gas-powered bikes and scooters.

Metra is also making changes to its fares and zone structure. Tickets will range from $3.75 to $6.75.

Tuesday, January 30, 2024 in Streetsblog Chicago

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Close-up of white panel at top of school bus with "100% electric" black text.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation

California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

April 30 - California Air Resources Board

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

April 30 - Streetsblog USA

"No Thru Traffic - Open Streets Restaurants" sign in New York City during Covid-19 pandemic.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street

How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.

April 30 - Next City