Bike & Ride

All SMTD fixed-route buses are equipped with bike racks. No special permit or advance reservation is required. One bike is included in a single fare. Bicycle racks can only carry two bikes at one time and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For safety reasons, bus operators are not allowed to assist with loading or removing bikes from racks. Customers are solely responsible for loading and unloading their bicycles. For faster boarding, customers are expected to remove any loose objects or personal items such as backpacks or satchels that could fall off the bike during transit. This includes pumps, water bottles, book bags and locks that may be stored on a bike while waiting for the bus.

During the Sangamon County Curb Your Car Week on the 3rd week of may, any passenger that rides SMTD with their bike (using the bus bike rack) can ride for free.

Loading Your Bike

1. Before the Bus Arrives

Please remove pumps, water bottles, book bags and locks that may be stored on your bike while you wait for the bus.

2. Loading Your Bike

Leave your bike at the curb while you prepare to release and lower the rack.

3. Releasing the Bike Rack

If the bus arrives with the bike rack folded against the bus, release it by pulling the center handle up, then lower the rack.

4. Positioning Your Bike

If only one bike is being loaded, put it in the position closest to the bus. Face your bicycle so that the front tire is facing the locking arm (The rack is labeled for your convenience). Lift your bicycle onto the rack.

5. Securing Your Bike

With your bike’s wheels in the wheel wells, pull the spring-loaded locking arm out and over your front bike tire as close to the frame as possible. Make sure it is placed on your tire and not on the fender or frame.

Unloading Your Bike

1. To release your bike, pull the support arm away from the wheel.

2. Lift your bike from the rack.

3. If the rack is empty please fold the rack against the bus by pulling the handle toward you.

4. Raise the track until it locks into place.

SMTD's Bike Rack Policy

SMTD bike racks are designed to carry standard bikes only. Recumbent bikes, tandem bikes, or motor-powered bicycles of any kind, as well as three wheeled bikes are not permitted because they do not fit safely into the rack.

Customers must load their bikes directly in front of the bus or from the curb - they must not expose themselves or their bicycles to passing traffic. It is recommended that bikes be hoisted by the seat tube and stem as this provides good leverage and stability.

Anyone 14 years of age or older may bring a bicycle on board a rack equipped bus. Customers 12 and 13 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 12 years of age are not permitted to bring bicycles on SMTD buses. Customers are to be ready to load by taking all loose objects and personal items off their bike prior to the bus arriving. Customers should wait for the next bus if the bike rack is full.

When customers arrive at their destination, they should be sure to exit the front door and tell the driver that they are going to remove their bike from the rack. Customers are to raise the rack to its upright position when no other bike is present.

Cyclists assume all responsibility for injuries and/or damages incurred as a result of bike rack utilization. This includes bikes, personal property, or persons while using the bike racks or riding the bus.

Unclaimed bikes inadvertently left on SMTD vehicles may be retrieved by calling Customer Service at (217) 522-5531. Be prepared to describe the bike and prove ownership. SMTD is not responsible for any bikes left behind.

Download Brochure (PDF)

Bike & Ride

Loading Your Bike

Unloading Your Bike

SMTD's Bike Rack Policy

Service Calendar