Bike plan approved, riders want more

Peninsula bicyclists want more cars added to trains to accommodate their numbers, but Caltrain cannot afford to add the extra space. The plan improves and adds bike lockers to popular train stations, but does not go far enough in addressing capacity problems, bicyclists argue.

Caltrain said it would continue to study capacity issues related to bikes. Bicyclists argue that Caltrain should remove seats from additional cars and replace them with bike racks. Caltrain does not want to do that until it is certain it will not force other customers from the train.

"We would like the plan postponed until the real problem is addressed,” said Shirley Johnson of Bikes on Board.

Both Caltrain and the bicyclists want to find a way to alert customers to what kind of room is available on approaching trains.

"Everyone, with a bike or otherwise, deserves that kind of predictability,” said board Chair Jim Hartnett, a Redwood City councilman.

The draft Caltrain Bicycle Parking and Access Plan, originally called the Bike Master Plan, focuses on ways to improve bicycle access at Caltrain’s 10 most popular stations, including Millbrae, downtown San Mateo, Hillsdale and Redwood City. The plan outlines ways Caltrain can improve bike access at the stations and manage the number of bike riders that flood trains at peak hours.

During peak commute hours, bicyclists are often "bumped” from the trains, meaning there is no room for their bike and therefore they must wait for the next train or quickly lock their bike up at the station. Caltrain has removed 1,000 seats from trains and designated the northern car of each train for bicyclists. On the older style cars, there are 32 spaces for bikes. On the newer style cars, there are 16 spaces, according to Caltrain.

The study suggests Caltrain should consider subsidies to help customers buy folding bikes that can retail for $500 to $1,000. Folding bikes can be stored on luggage racks in any car.

However, bicyclists at yesterday’s meeting said it was unrealistic to expect people who already own a bicycle to invest that amount of money into new bikes that are not as comfortable.

The plan also suggests increasing the total number of bike racks and lockers at the San Mateo County stations. San Mateo bike racks and lockers could increase from 30 to 49; Hillsdale would increase from 34 to 39; Redwood City would increase from 72 to 106.

Dana Yates can be reached by e-mail: dana@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 106.