E-bikes will quickly be allowed on RTD transit autos.
In a coverage reversal, RTD clients will likely be permitted to journey with e-bikes beginning on Nov. 15, the mass transit company stated in a information launch.
Within the coming weeks, RTD will replace its “Bike-n-Experience” webpage to “replicate further insurance policies or finest practices round e-bikes” by the Nov. 15 change.
Some exceptions to the upcoming allowance, in response to RTD, embrace: E-bikes exceeding 55 kilos might not be loaded onto any bus-mounted entrance bicycle rack; for regional buses, reminiscent of these used for Flatiron Flyer service, e-bikes should both match on the entrance bike racks or within the baggage compartment beneath the autos; e-bikes stay prohibited on gentle rail excessive blocks, that are meant to be used by people with disabilities and usually are not meant to accommodate units that aren’t primarily designed or meant to help individuals with mobility disabilities.
Bicycle Colorado, a nonprofit supporting bicycle riders all through Colorado, has advocated for the e-bike allowance on mass transit.
“We had been glad to see RTD management prioritize this challenge, and make an necessary coverage change towards trade finest practices that can enable RTD clients to make use of bus and bike choices to satisfy their transportation wants,” stated Piep van Heuven, director of presidency relations for Bicycle Colorado. “The necessity to align with bike-friendly coverage and funding commitments across the state was clear, and heightened issues about air high quality and inexpensive transportation choices made this an much more necessary coverage enchancment.”
RTD employees labored with the American Public Transportation Affiliation and researched the e-bike insurance policies of 9 U.S. transit businesses to reach on the choice, the discharge stated.
“I acknowledge that public curiosity on this subject has been excessive, and I commend the group throughout RTD that reviewed this subject with such thoughtfulness,” stated Debra Johnson, CEO and normal supervisor of RTD. “Based mostly upon trade finest practices garnered by employees, the company’s plan of action concerning e-bikes will proceed to evolve over time, and RTD will stay versatile and agile on this matter.”