Personal Bikes & CapMetro

Bringing your personal bike with you puts more destinations within your reach and helps overcome final-destination challenges. (You could also rent one of our bikes!) The League of American Bicyclists has recognized our efforts and rated CapMetro as a Gold-Level Bike Friendly Business.

Loading on a Bus bike rack

  • Stand up as the bus approaches and remove any items that might fall off your bike.
  • Before stepping in front of the bus to load your bike, wave at the bus operator.
  • If the rack is full, wait until the next bus arrives.
  • Load your bike directly in front of the bus or from the curbside ― never from the street side!
  • If the rack is folded up, lower it by squeezing the handle and pulling it down.
  • Lift your bike into an available slot and place the tires into the wheel wells.
  • Pull the spring-loaded support arm out and over the front tire until it hugs the tire.
  • If possible, sit near the front of the bus where you can keep an eye on your bike.
Note: Operators can't assist with loading (except on some Express routes), but can help with oral instructions.

Loading on an Express vehicle or train

Express vehicles have storage compartments on the side of the vehicle, and electric buses have compartments at the back of the bus. Please ask the bus operator to open the storage compartment for you. Rail offers bike racks toward the front of the compartment. If they are unavailable, you may stand with your bike in the entryway of the train compartment.

*CapMetro is not responsible for any damage to bicycles that occurs when using bike racks on our vehicles.

Bikes on Buses

Our bikes-on-the-bus rules are very simple:

  • If you ride a folded bike, fold it up and bring it with you on the bus. All other bikes go on exterior racks attached to the front of our Local and Rapid buses. Each rack can hold up to 3 bikes with 20" wheels or electric bikes under 55 pounds. When you arrive at your destination, let the operator know you will be removing a bike from the rack.
  • Express buses don't have bike racks, but we do have storage space for 2 bikes in the rear storage compartment. Spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please ask the bus operator to open the compartment for you.
  • Our Trip Planner lets you incorporate MetroBike into your trip, helping you connect to and from your transit stop more easily.
Parking your Bike

Only want to take your bike from home to the station? We offer free bike racks at most bus stops, stations and Park & Rides on a first-come, first-served basis. We also have secure, weather-proof bike shelters at 7 stations.

Safety Tips

  • Approach the bus from the curbside.
  • Don't wait in the street with your bike.
  • Load and unload your bike directly in front of the bus or from the curb.
  • Make sure to let the operator know you need to unload your bike.
  • Use bike racks at your own risk. We aren't responsible for personal injury, property damage or loss resulting from the use of our racks.
  • Visit the League of American Bicyclists for smart cycling tips.

Good to know 

  • No gas-powered bikes or mopeds are allowed on bike racks.
  • Carrying your electric bike battery on board is A-OK.
  • If you leave your bike on the bus, call Lost & Found at 512-389-7454.
  • Bikes left on a bus or at our facilities for 10 days are considered abandoned and will be donated to local nonprofits.

Bikes on Trains

Our goal is to minimize hassle and maximize service. That's why we make room for you and your bike aboard our trains.

Our stations have a designated crossing area that leads to the station platform. For safety reasons, please walk your bike onto the platform. When you hear your train announced, move to the area behind the white boarding line. As a courtesy, wait until all riders have cleared the doorway before getting on. Store your bike in one of our racks near the entrances or remain standing while holding your bike. On a full train, bikes may be limited to a total of 8 per compartment.

Good to know

  • Only standard-sized bikes (including electric and folding) are permitted on board.
  • No tricycles, tandems, bikes with training wheels, cargo bikes, recumbent or gas-powered bicycles or mopeds are allowed.
  • Your life is more important than your bike. So, in the event of an emergency evacuation, leave your bike in the rack.
  • You're responsible for your own bike and all actions, injuries, losses and/or damages resulting from having it on station platform areas and on trains. For safety tips when biking near rail tracks, visit Operation Lifesaver.

CapMetro Bike Shelters

We provide 7 locked bike shelters for personal bikes, conveniently located at popular Rail stations and a few major transit centers. Sign up today with no annual fee!

 

Sign Up

 

Metro Bike Shelter registration graphic

Why use a shelter?

  • NO ANNUAL FEE!
  • You don't feel like standing with your bike or being crowded.
  • You want to leave your bike in a secure facility.
  • You know a train or bus is going to have its racks filled.
  • You don't want to leave your bike exposed to the sun or rain.
  • You want a break from lugging your bike back and forth to work.

What comes with the shelters?

  • Secured, card key access
  • Fully enclosed bicycle parking
  • Long open hours: 5 a.m.-2:30 a.m., 7 days a week
  • 24-hour camera surveillance
  • Seating for changing shoes, etc.
  • An air pump, work stand and tools for minor bike repairs

How do I get access to a shelter?

MetroBike Shelter Access Cards provide secure, card key access to MetroBike Shelters. You can sign up for membership online. There's a $3 charge to register for an access card, which will be mailed within 1 to 2 weeks after the order is placed.

How to use your card: Swipe your card over the red light to the left of the door to open.

Expiration: The card will expire every 2 years and requires a $3 registration fee to renew. Customers will also receive notification to update any information that has changed every 2 years.

Replacement cards: There is a $20 lost-card fee. Replacement cards can be ordered through the CapMetro App.

Where are the bike shelters?

  • Kramer Station
  • Lakeline Station
  • MLK Station
  • Plaza Saltillo Station
  • Highland Station
  • Tech Ridge Park & Ride
  • South Congress Transit Center
Note: Shelter use requires enrollment and a MetroBike Shelter Access Card.