Metra tests out new car for bike commuters

The commute for bike riders across the city and suburbs might get a little easier following Metra’s introduction of its first bike car this past weekend.

The car carries 16 bicycles instead of the five typically allowed on Metra cars. By the end of the year, a second bike car will be added through a pilot program expected to last until spring.

Depending on the program’s success, bike cars may be added to other lines. Metra also is relaxing its bike policy temporarily, allowing bikes on all trains across all 11 lines.

Bike cars are scheduled to run on the Milwaukee District North Line on four inbound and four outbound trains during the week, as well as two inbound and two outbound trains on Saturdays. The car is marked with a large white bicycle decal.

Metra chose the Milwaukee District North Line because many cyclists and reverse commuters use it; the route runs close to several nature preserves, parks and trails.

As they would on regular Metra cars, riders must bring their own bungee cord to secure their bike or e-scooter to one of the bike racks.

The bike cars are repurposed Pullman cars dating to the late 1960s. To make space for the bikes, Metra removed passenger seats on the lower level. Seats remain on the upper level for riders who wish to keep an eye on their bikes.

The car schedule can be found here.