[sustran] BBRT - Bikes on BRT

[Todd Edelman, Green Idea Factory]

Hi,

I think it is clear to most of us that combining BRT with bicycles 
creates a better replacement for cars than either by itself, and there 
are of course other advantages besides replacement mobility. While the 
biggest piece of pubic transport and bicycle intermodality is bicycle 
parking, and it is good if shared bicycles are also considered, the 
ability to take one's own bike on PT is also useful.

The bicycle on bus front rack is used in hundreds of systems in the USA 
and Canada....

<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Translink-B8017.jpg>
<http://www.thunderheadalliance.org/site/images/uploads/Bikes_on_Buses_Facts_Sheet.doc>
*From Hampton Roads Transit, Virginia (Flash): 
*<http://www.hrtransit.com/BikesOnRacks/BikeRackMain.htm>*
 From the Port Authority of Allegheny County *(*Windows Media Player;* 
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and surroundings): 
<http://www.portauthority.org/PAAC/Portals/0/Rack_30_7.avi> *
 From Charlotte, North Carolina (Real Player, click on “view demo”): 
*<http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/CATS/Riding+CATS/Bike+Racks.htm>

... and each rack costs less than one bus tyre, but this would not work 
on Transmillenio-type BRT as the front of the bus is not accessible.

SO, it seems like it would be good to be able to take bikes inside the 
buses (or light rail, metro, etc.) but there could be a problem with space.

How about if when a city implements a BRT system (meaning dozens or more 
new buses, infrastructure, expanded depot, etc) it also buys thousands 
of FOLDING bikes all at the same time - taking advantage of economies of 
scale - and then sells to these bikes to its riders at or near cost? (Or 
less than cost with subsidies). There could also be payment plans, where 
technologically possible.

What do people think? Could you all let me know what prices would be 
acceptable to purchase bikes in various cities?

Thanks,
T

--------------------------------------------

Todd Edelman
Director
Green Idea Factory

Korunní 72
CZ-10100 Praha 10
Czech Republic

++420 605 915 970
++420 222 517 832
Skype: toddedelman

edelman at greenidea.info

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