E-bikes to be allowed on RTD transit vehicles

E-bikes will soon be allowed on RTD transit vehicles.

In a policy reversal, RTD customers will be permitted to travel with ebikes starting on Nov. 15, the mass transit agency said in a news release.

In the coming weeks, RTD will update its “Biken-ride” webpage to “reflect additional policies or best practices around e-bikes” by the Nov. 15 change.

Some exceptions to the upcoming allowance, according to RTD, include: E-bikes exceeding 55 pounds may not be loaded onto any busmounted front bicycle rack; for regional buses, such as those used for Flatiron Flyer service, ebikes must either fit on the front bike racks or in the luggage compartment beneath the vehicles; ebikes remain prohibited on light rail high blocks, which are intended for use by individuals with disabilities and are not intended to accommodate devices that are not primarily designed or intended to assist persons with mobility disabilities.

Bicycle Colorado, a nonprofit supporting bicycle riders throughout Colorado, has advocated for the e-bike allowance on mass transit.

“We were glad to see RTD leadership prioritize this issue, and make an important policy change toward industry best practices that will allow RTD customers to use bus and bike options to meet their transportation needs,” said Piep van Heuven, director of government relations for Bicycle Colorado. “The need to align with bike-friendly policy and investment commitments around the state was clear, and heightened concerns about air quality and affordable transportation options made this an even more important policy improvement.”

RTD staff worked with the American Public Transportation Association and researched the e-bike policies of nine U.S. transit agencies to arrive at the decision, the release said.

“I recognize that public interest in this topic has been high, and I commend the team across RTD that reviewed this topic with such thoughtfulness,” said Debra Johnson, CEO and general manager of RTD. “Based upon industry best practices garnered by staff, the agency’s course of action regarding e-bikes will continue to evolve over time, and RTD will remain flexible and agile on this matter.”