Even as far back as 2008 more than 70% of buses in the US had bike racks installed. In comparison, European efforts tend to be more limited covering only a few bus services in specific locations, such as hilly areas or long-haul trips [1]. However, in the City of Madrid, a Cities for Cyclists Member, both locals and tourists can take their bikes on a bus on two key routes!

Bike racks have been installed on buses in the Airport Express line of the Madrid Municipal Transport Company (EMT) that connects Atocha and Cibeles with the different terminals of the airport of Barajas, and bus line number 33 which goes to Casa de Campo, the biggest green area in the city.

The buses on these lines have been retrofitted with bike racks installed at the rear that can carry two bikes simultaneously. The bikes are loaded by the customers themselves, while the driver provides assistance if needed.

Two bikes may not seem like a lot (it is still more than zero!), however considering the current demand the supply is considered to be enough. Furthermore, there are current legal limitations in Spain on the size and elements that can be attached on vehicles [2], which consequently means the space that bigger bike racks would occupy could be problematic in heavy traffic.

Bike racks on buses give many benefits for a relatively small investment and minimal administration. In Madrid’s case, the racks supplied by Fiamma only cost round 200 euro!!!

The bike racks enable people to reach public transport nodes, allow bus companies to expand their services and attract new users by facilitating longer journeys and decreasing the separation between suburban and city centres. At the same time, such provisions for bikes on buses can be used as a barometer for commitment to bike use, which is essential for a modal shift away from cars. As some journeys favour neither public transport nor cycling in isolation, it is important to be able to combine these options- bike, bus, tram, train, ferry etc.- to provide a realistic alternative to using a car.

Ultimately, bike racks on buses should be viewed as part of an overarching strategy of establishing a symbiotic relationship between bike and bus. This relationship will vary between locations, but the example of Madrid is definitely an encouraging one.

More info here.

[1] Woolsgrove, C. 2011. The mystery of the missing bike racks. Cycling Mobility; Issue 3, Policy 1

[2] Real Decreto 1428/2003, de 21 de noviembre, por el que se aprueba el Reglamento General de Circulación para la aplicación y desarrollo del texto articulado de la Ley sobre tráfico, circulación de vehículos a motor y seguridad vial, aprobado por el Real Decreto Legislativo 339/1990, de 2 de marzo