Bike 'n' Bus

Bring your bicycle with you on YRT routes. You pay your regular fare but your bike rides for free.

Experience the ease and convenience of travelling with a bicycle on YRT. Each rack holds up to two bikes and is designed for easy loading and unloading.

The YRT bike racks are part of YRT's Bike 'n' Bus program. Bike 'n' Bus is part of the Metrolinx BikeLinx program for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA), in partnership with Smart Commute.

Why should I bike 'n' bus?

  • Make a positive impact on your environment and reduce your carbon footprint.
  • Biking is a completely clean form of transportation. The only fuel it burns is your own calories!
  • A leisurely bike ride can elevate levels of feel-good endorphins, boosting your mood.

Note: The loading/unloading of children's bikes should be performed by the accompanying adult.

Easy on: Loading your bike

GET READY

Prepare your bicycle for the bike rack by removing any water bottles or loose items that may fall off while the bus is in motion. As the bus approaches, let the driver know that you intend to use the bike rack. You can do this by making eye contact with the driver and pointing to your bike and the rack.

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LOWER THE RACK

Hold on to your bike with one hand and use your free hand to squeeze the handle at the top of the rack. Squeezing the handle will unlock the rack and
it can then be lowered for use. If the rack is already lowered, move onto the next step.

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LOAD YOUR BIKE

Load your bike from the front or curb/platform side of the bus. Lift your bike into one of the rack's two wheel trays. A label tells you where the front wheel goes. The trays are far apart from each other to make loading/unloading easy if there is another bike there.

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SECURE THE FRONT WHEEL

Secure your bike by pulling the spring-loaded support arm out and over the front tire.

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Easy off: unloading your bike

GET READY

Exit from the front door and be sure to tell the bus operator you will be unloading your bike from the rack. Approach the bike rack from the front or curb platform side of the bus.

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UNLOAD YOUR BIKE

Pull the spring-loaded support arm from the tire and lower. Lift your bike up from the wheel slots towards the front or curb/platform side of the bus. Squeeze the handle at the front of the rack to lift and lock it in place.

 

DEPART SAFELY

Carry your bike away from the bus to the sidewalk/platform. Signal to the
driver that you have finished unloading and stand clear of the bus.

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Disclaimer: YRT/Viva is not responsible for bicycles left behind or not claimed, lost or stolen bicycles, improper securement of bicycles and/or bicycle damage incurred as a result of using the bike rack.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the rack is full?

Bike racks are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If there is no space left on the rack, the bus operator may let you bring your bike on board the bus unless:

  • You are travelling during rush hour periods1 2
  • The bus is full and there is not enough space2
  • There is an emergency2
  • Your bike is motorized3

1 Rush hour periods are weekdays, 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
2 According to Bylaw R-1415-2005-028, sec. 3.24
3 According to Bylaw R-1415-2005-028, sec. 3.3

Do all buses have bike racks?

The majority of YRT buses have bike racks. Bike racks are not provided on Viva buses at this time. You may also choose to lock your bike at one of more than 182 on-street YRT/Viva bicycle racks at over 72 locations across York Region.

Will my bike fit on the rack?

The on-bus bike racks are designed to hold conventional two-wheel bicycles with wheels that are 20-29 inches in diameter. The rack can also hold bicycles with a maximum 44 inch wheel base.

What isn't allowed on the bike rack?

  • Any bicycle with more than two wheels
  • Any motorized bicycle or vehicle
  • Any bicycle with wheels that do not meet the guidelines (see above)
  • Any object that is not classified as a bicycle
  • Any bicycle with extra equipment that cannot be removed and impedes the ability for the bike to be mounted on the rack securely

What if I forget to unload my bicycle?

Contact the YRT/Viva Contact Centre at 1-866-MOVE-YRT (668-3978).

Where can I find more information on safe cycling and cycling activities?

Where can I find more information on Metrolinx and Smart Commute?

Cycling Safety Tips

Riding a bicycle is fun but there are also rules to be followed. Here are some cycling tips to keep you safe:

  • It is the law for those ages 18 and under to always wear a helmet while riding. Look for CSA, ANSI or SNELL-approved helmets to keep
    your head safe.
  • Follow the rules of the road and all traffic signs. They apply to cyclists.
  • Use proper hand signals. Here's what they should look like:

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  • Only pass vehicles on the left. Drivers may not shoulder-check before making a right turn as they do not expect anything to be there.
  • Stay out of blind spots at the sides and rear of vehicles.
  • Be visible to drivers at night by wearing bright, coloured clothing and using headlights, tail lights or reflectors.


Download the above information in our handy Bike 'n' Bus information guide (558 KB PDF)

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