New Orleans Bus Bike Rack Program Delayed

The new two-parish Jefferson and Orleans bus bike rack permit that allows passengers' bicycles to travel with them on public buses in New Orleans has been delayed until Jan. 15 2005. "The start of the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority's bus bike rack program has been delayed by vendor-related problems," RTA spokeswoman Rosalind Cook said.

"Even if they have a permit, they can't use it here yet," Cook said, adding that work to create a new "regional permit" is almost complete. Instead of requiring bicyclists to obtain two permits -- one for each parish -- that allow them to put their bicycles on racks mounted to the front of buses, the transit agencies came up with a plan to develop a single, free, two-parish permit.

In Jefferson Parish, public transportation buses are equipped with bike racks, and riders with permits have been allowed to use them for nearly a decade. The RTA recently outfitted its buses with bike racks. Jefferson Transit last week began sending certified letters to 1,600 people with bike rack permits for Jefferson buses. The letters include a release form that allows them to use bike racks on buses in New Orleans as well, Cook said. Once they sign the form, the RTA will mail them the two-parish permit, a plastic card about the size of a credit card.

Riders not in possession of the Jefferson-only bike rack card must sign two forms, one for Jefferson and one for Orleans Parish, that explain user rules and regulations. The forms also release all employees, directors, officers, representatives and agents "from any and all liability for injury of any kind."

Bicyclists "also must complete a training-orientation program, which is basically watching a video," Cook said. "And they have to demonstrate they can handle the lockdown procedure for placing the bike securely in the rack."