LeeTran Transit Authority Earns Award for Bicycle Rack Program

LeeTran has recently been honored for its innovative approach in attracting customers who do not live within walking distance of a bus stop. The transit authority was awarded the inaugural Rack and Ride Transit Challenge, which is given to a transit system with the highest percentage of customers using bike racks. The national competition, which is sponsored by the Sportworks car rack company, included 21 other cities.

"It's a neat award, and it's something we can be happy about," exclaimed Steve Myers, director of LeeTran. "It shows that among other cities, we rank right up there. It also shows that our program is as useful as, if not more, than other cities." Of LeeTran's riders, 4.1% use the bicycle racks. Its nearest competition, Honolulu, averaged 3.8%."The biggest benefit of the bike racks is that people who are further out can access the route," Myers added. "We have fairly good coverage, but it can be miles for some people to use the bus system."

LeeTran supplies bike racks for all its 57 buses, including trolleys. The buses are limited to two bikes, but there are plans to expand to at least three.There are three divisions, and LeeTran won among entrants with the largest transit systems. It also won the overall competition. "We don't consider ourselves a large urban city, but this is testament that we're making our buses more accessible for more people," Myers stated. "There was some skepticism at first, and this speaks well of the foresight to do this."