"A few weeks ago, I brought my bike on to the subway and the conductor told me to move it to the last car, that bikes were only permitted in the last car. I protested and said that bikes were allowed on the train at all times, but it was during a busy time and the conductor said he would not move the train unless I moved the bike, so I got off and moved to the back of the next train. I've taken my bike on the subway many times, but this is the first time I've been told about this ""rule."" Does anyone know if this is for real or if the conductor was just giving me a hard time?"
Subway bike rules
Tue, 04/18/2006 - 4:41pm
Tue, 04/18/2006 - 4:56pm
#1
I think the conductor has the discretion to do that
Check out this from the MTA's website:
http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us/nyct/safety/bike/index.html
Wed, 04/19/2006 - 4:49am
#2
That's correct
Wed, 04/19/2006 - 8:38am
#3
4&7
Rule 4 says you can be in any car. Rule 7 says listen to transit personel.
They also say we should stand. Are we not allowed to sit, or do they assume no seats will be available? They say not to get on crowded trains. If we wait for uncrowded trains, why can't we sit? Someone with a baby carriage or shopping cart can sit. Do they give cyclists tickets if they sit, like they give tickets for putting a bag on a seat, even in an uncrowded train?
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4.Stand near either end of the subway car. Never put your bicycle where it blocks the aisle or doors - you'll create an obstacle. If the only available space is near the door, the train is too crowded. Wait for the next uncrowded train.
7.Follow instructions from New York City Police, station and train personnel. To ensure everybody's safety, New York City Police and subway personnel may decide your bicycle is causing a hazardous situation, obstructing passenger movement or interfering with train operations. Be prepared to follow their directions.
Wed, 04/19/2006 - 9:03am
#4
#4 Stand near either end of the subway car
"""the subway car"" does not read or imply you can be in any subway car."
Thu, 04/20/2006 - 1:21pm
#5
Of course it does.
"Otherwise it would say ""either end of the rear subway car."" If they don't specify a car, they mean any car in the train. And since most train lines have the doors between the cars locked, functionally, there is no difference between rear, front or middle cars.
Of course, I can also say that in all my life as a NYC cyclist I've never interacted with an MTA employee with my bike, other than at the token booth– they could give a fig where I put my bike."
Fri, 04/21/2006 - 4:56am
#6
ok, whatever [sigh] (nm)
Wed, 04/19/2006 - 12:15pm
#7
I had always heard that you should try to be in one of the end cars (last in front or back), so I shoot for that whenever it's busy. Admittedly, the rule is not clear on this. It should probably say the end of the train, not the car.
As far as not sitting, I have a feeling this one speaks to the fact that if you are sitting with your bike, it is easy to block a seat on each side of you with your bike. I've never been hasseled when sitting on a car with lot's of empty seats.
Usually the subway employees are helpful, or at least tolerant of bikes. Hopefully this incident was a genuine safety concern and not a harbinger of MTA giving cyclists a hard time.
Wed, 04/19/2006 - 1:09pm
#8
Not the first car either...
I often used the first car. Several motormen have asked me to move the bike. It blocks their egress. It makes sense, but it is an inconvenient.
Thu, 04/20/2006 - 9:24pm
#9
Thank you all.
I guess the rules are not clear and we are subject to the mood of the train personnel, which is pretty annoying. But thanks for the good discussion.
