Put Your Bike on a Bus
Bike racks are available on all Cedar Rapids Transit buses to make your trip more convenient.
- Bike racks are free (no additional charge) and easy to use.
- Bike racks are designed to fit two-wheeled bikes with no longer than a 44 inch wheelbase, 2.3 inch wide tires, wheel diameters of 20 inches or larger and a total weight of 55 pounds or less per bike
- For your own safety, please inform the bus driver that you will be using the bike rack before entering and/or exiting the bus. If a bike rack is full, ask the driver to bring your bike on board. The bus driver may refuse your request to avoid crowded conditions.
- If you have left your bicycle on a bus or need additional information, please call (319) 286-5573.
How to load a bike:
- Lower Rack
- Inform the driver you will be using the rack. Approach the rack from the curbside and lower the rack with one hand while supporting the bike with the other.
- Load Bike
- Place the bike into the rack’s wheel trays with the front wheel towards the support arm. Pull the self-storing support arm out and over the front tire as close to the front brake as possible.
- Remove bike
- Inform the driver you will be removing your bike before exiting the bus. Push down the support arm and remove the bike. If no other bikes are on the rack, lift the rack back into its upright position.
Lock your Bike
- Choose the right lock. The level of security you need depends on where you are leaving your bike and for how long.
- U-locks: Widely used lock that provides the greatest theft deterrence. U-locks come in various sizes and should be chosen to minimize space when the bike is locked. Smaller models lock one wheel and the bike frame to the bike rack while larger models may lock both wheels and the frame.
- Cable locks: More flexible and adaptable than u-locks, but offer less protection. Cable locks can be used in combination with u-locks to secure easily removable parts (i.e. wheel or seat). In the Cedar Rapids Corridor region cable locks are generally sufficient.
- Chain locks: More protective than a cable lock, but require a sturdy padlock that cannot be easily broken. Typically, bulkier and heavier than other types of locks so are best for stationary uses.
- Locking wheel/seat skewers: Locks that disable the quick-release features of wheels and seats making them tougher to steal. Great for high-crime areas in addition to u-, cable, or chain locks.
- Always lock your bike to a solid object that cannot be cut, moved, or broken. The best bike racks will provide two points of contact with the frame at least 6 inches apart horizontally.
- Lock your bike in a well-lit area with high foot traffic.
- Lock according to value. Frame first, then back wheel, and finally front wheel. Try to lock the bike through two points of contact at all times (i.e. wheel and frame).
- Get a tight fit. The less room inside of the lock, the more difficult it will be for the lock to be cut or broken.
- Position your lock off the ground with the keyhole facing down.
- Take removable items with you (i.e. lights, bags, etc.)
Turning and Bike Lanes
Right Turns
Bike rider should watch for turn signal and avoid driver’s blind spot. Rider should pass on the left of the vehicle.
Left Turns
Use the turn box. Step 1: pull forward and turn left into the green turn box. Step 2: wait until next green light to go forward. This is used with parking protected bike lanes.
Merging with traffic. Step 1: use hand signal indicating left to merge. Step 2: merge into motor vehicle travel lane when safe to do so. Step 3: Using hand signal for left turn, turn left at the intersection.
Ride the Road
When riding on the road, bicycles are considered road vehicles just like motorized vehicles. Bicyclists must follow the same rules of the road as motorists to ensure safe usage of area roadways.
- Ride with motor vehicle traffic, never against it.
- Obey all traffic signs and signals (including stop signs, red lights, yield signs, one-way streets, etc.) and use hand signals when turning.
- Travel as far to the right as is safely possible. Use the full lane if the right edge is blocked or unsafe. Often times the right edge is unsafe due to poor visibility, debris, or parked cars. If a bike lane or other facility is not present, it is often safer to ride in the center of the traffic lane.
- When riding in groups travel up to two abreast or single file.
- Always wear a helmet.
- Equip bike with front and rear lights when riding dusk through dawn.
Use Mile Marker and US National Grid System Signs
Mile Marker and US National Grid (USNG) System signs are posted every half mile on the Sac & Fox and Cedar Valley Nature Trails. The USNG System is a grid reference system that uses alphanumeric referencing to provide universal location based services across the United States. In an emergency, the USNG system coordinates and/or mile markers can be used to notify responders of your exact location within the Grant Wood Trails System.
In addition, the signs provide phone numbers for reporting trail maintenance problems and non-emergency situations. Phone numbers may change from sign to sign to reflect changes in jurisdiction. The USNG system coordinates and/or mile markers can be used in these situations to navigate responders to the correct location.
Basic Trail Etiquette
- Obey the rules of the trail.
- Keep right.
- Respect all trail users.
- Yield to slower users.
- Be alert to hazards such as gravel, holes, and tree branches.
- Always pass on the left and signal and announce when passing, “On your left!”
- Yield to traffic at road crossings.
- Yield to other users at trail intersections.
- Use front and rear lights dusk through dawn.
- Do not block the trail when riding as a group. Ride up to two abreast or single file.
- If you need to stop, pull over off to the side; do not block the trails.
Wayfinding
A variety of opportunities and amenities can be found throughout the Grant Wood Trails system to make your ride more enjoyable. Find restaurants, attractions, entertainment, bike shops, fix-it stations, trailheads, restrooms, and more by searching the map.