Bring Your Bike to the Bus
All SMTD fixed-route buses are equipped with bike racks. No special permit or advance reservation is required. One bike is included in a single fare. Bicycle racks can only carry two bikes at one time and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For safety reasons, bus operators are not allowed to assist with loading or removing bikes from racks. Customers are solely responsible for loading and unloading their bicycles. For faster boarding, customers are expected to remove any loose objects or personal items such as backpacks or satchels that could fall off the bike during transit. This includes pumps, water bottles, book bags and locks that may be stored on a bike while waiting for the bus.
During the Sangamon County Curb Your Car Week on the 3rd week of may, any passenger that rides SMTD with their bike (using the bus bike rack) can ride for free.
SMTD's Bike Rack Policy
What is the bike rack policy?
SMTD bike racks are designed to carry standard bikes only. Recumbent bikes, tandem bikes, motor-powered bikes, and three wheeled bikes are NOT permitted because they do not fit safely into the rack.
Who can bring a bicycle on the bus?
You must be 14 years old or older to bring a bicycle on board a rack-equipped bus. Riders 12 or 13 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 12 years of age are not permitted to bring bicycles on SMTD buses.
Tips for loading your bicycle
- Prepare to load your bike by taking all loose objects and personal items off their bike prior to the bus arriving. Wait for the next bus if the bike rack is full.
- Customers must load their bikes directly in front of the bus or from the curb. Do not expose yourself or your bicycle to passing traffic.
- Lift your bike by the seat tube and stem for good leverage and stability.
- See the 5-step process with images below
Tips for Unloading Your Bicycle
- Exit the front door and tell the driver that you are going to remove your bike from the rack.
- Raise the rack to its upright position when no other bike is present.
- Be careful when mounting your bike and entering traffic.
- See the 4-step process with images below.
Stay Safe When Loading/Unloading Your Bicycle
Cyclists assume all responsibility for injuries and/or damages incurred as a result of bike rack utilization. This includes bikes, personal property, or persons while using the bike racks or riding the bus.
What if I forget my bicycle?
Unclaimed bikes inadvertently left on SMTD vehicles may be retrieved by calling Customer Service at (217) 522-5531. Be prepared to describe the bike and prove ownership. SMTD is not responsible for any bikes left behind.
Download Policy (PDF)
How to Load Your Bike
1. Before the Bus Arrives
Please remove pumps, water bottles, book bags and locks that may be stored on your bike while you wait for the bus.
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2. Load Your Bike
Leave your bike at the curb while you prepare to release and lower the rack.
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3. Release the Bike Rack
If the bus arrives with the bike rack folder against the bus, release it by pulling the center handle up, then lower the rack.
4. Position Your Bike
If only one bike is being loaded, put it in the position closest to the bus. Face your bicycle so that the front tire is facing the locking arm (The rack is labeled for your convenience). Lift your bicycle onto the rack.
5. Secure Your Bike
With your bike's wheels in the wheel wells, pull the spring-loaded locking arm out and over your front bike tire as close to the frame as possible. Make sure it is placed on your tire and not on the fender or frame.
How to Unload Your Bike
1. To release your bike, pull the support arm away from the wheel.
2. Lift your bike from the rack.
3. If the rack is empty, please fold the rack against the bus by pulling the handle toward you.
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4. Raise the track until it locks into place.
Bike and Ride FAQs
Can I bring my bike on an SMTD bus?
Yes- all SMTD buses have a bike rack on the front of the bus. The bike racks carry up to two bikes at a time and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
What kinds of bikes are allowed on SMTD bus bike racks?
SMTD bike racks are designed to carry standard bikes. Recumbent bikes, tandem bikes, or motor-powered bicycles of any kind, as well as three wheeled bikes are not permitted because they do not fit safely into the rack.
What should I do if I forget my bike on the bus rack?
If you forget your bike on an SMTD bus, please call Customer Service at 217-522-5531. Please be prepared to describe the bike and prove ownership. SMTD is not responsible for any bikes left behind.
Is there a cost to bring a bicycle on an SMTD bus?
There is no additional cost to bring a bike on an SMTD bus.
How many bikes can fit in the rack?
Each bike rack can carry two bikes at a time and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.