Skytrain riders can bring their bikes on board, for now – BC News

Amid low ridership during the COVID-19 pandemic, Translink relaxed some of its rules.

As of Friday, passengers can now bring their bikes on the Skytrain at all times and in all directions, at the Expo and Millennium lines.

However, the measure is only temporary. Bikes will only be allowed at peak times until March 31, 2021.

Prior to Friday’s announcement, bicycles were banned on Expo and Millennium Lines during weekday rush hours from 7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m.

The company said in a news release that the change was to make it easier for consumers to cycle and transport while the epidemic continues.

“We are always looking for ways to improve our customer experience, especially when we are navigating this unprecedented time,” said Translink CEO Kevin Desmond. “We hope this change will give consumers more opportunity to integrate cycling with transportation for their daily commute and that more people will leave their cars at home and support more green transportation policies this fall.”

Erin O’Melin, executive director of Hub Cycling, said the decision to allow bikes on rush-hour skytrain trips “will help create a safer, more resilient and more equitable transportation option for people who want to ride bikes as part of their regular trips.”

According to the release, Translink Ridership is currently at 43 percent of its pre-Kovid levels.

The latest in a series of changes implemented by Translink since the outbreak, such as making face masks mandatory, limiting rider capacity and speeding up sanitation efforts, is to reduce the limits around the bike.