Bike & Ride: Your Guide to Bikes on Chicago ‘L’ Trains and Buses

Combining cycling with public transportation is a fantastic way to navigate Chicago, and we’re here to simplify city cycling for you! This guide will help you confidently bring your bike on CTA ‘L’ trains and buses, whether for your daily commute, when unexpected weather hits, or to explore new biking spots across the city on weekends.

Download the bike & ride brochure

Navigating Chicago with Your Bike on ‘L’ Trains

Using your bicycle with Chicago’s ‘L’ trains is convenient for extending your cycling range across the city. Bikes are welcome on all CTA ‘L’ trains during off-peak hours on weekdays, specifically outside of 7-9am and 4-6pm rush hour periods. Enjoy bike access all day on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. If you begin your journey before rush hour restrictions begin, you are permitted to complete your trip with your bike even if it extends into restricted times.

Important Notice: Please note that Divvy bikes or other bike-share bicycles are not permitted on CTA trains or buses. Also, during times of increased passenger volume, CTA staff may request you to wait for a less crowded train before boarding with your bicycle. In periods of anticipated high ridership, bicycle carriage may be restricted on specific lines or the entire ‘L’ system for everyone’s safety. Always check CTA alerts online or at stations before you travel for any service updates.

1. When entering a train station with your bike, look for a wide, swing-gate turnstile if available for easier access. If a wide turnstile is not available, CTA station personnel can open a manual access gate for you after you’ve paid your fare.

   • Avoid attempting to take your bike through the tall, rotating metal barrier gates (rotogates). Your bicycle will become stuck and could be damaged.
   • Please be aware that King Drive Green Line station is not accessible for bike exits as it is equipped only with rotogates for exiting passengers. If you are heading to this area, continue to Cottage Grove station for exit.

2. To get to the train platform level, prioritize using elevators whenever they are available. If an elevator is not available, carefully carry your bike on ramps and stairways. Always allow other passengers to pass you on stairs and ramps, ensuring right-of-way to other commuters. Bicycles are strictly prohibited on escalators for safety reasons.

3. When a train is arriving or departing, keep a safe distance from the platform edge. If a train appears crowded, consider waiting for the next train to ensure your safety and the comfort of other passengers.

4. Before you board the train, check if there are already cyclists in the railcar. For everyone’s comfort and space, a maximum of two bicycles are permitted per railcar.

5. Once you are on board, remain standing with your bike and maintain a firm hold on it at all times. Position your bike to avoid obstructing aisles or doorways. Never leave your bike unattended or standing alone using a kickstand inside the train. Kickstands are not to be used within stations or on train cars.

Quick Tips for Bikes on Trains:

When boarding with a bike, look for the green bicycle symbol often located next to specific door sets on the train. This typically indicates an area with more space to accommodate bicycles.

Remember that while train bike restrictions may apply during busy times, bus bike racks are usually available. If you find trains too crowded for bikes, consider using the bus system as an effective alternative.

Position yourself and your bike at either end of the railcar. Alternatively, in many railcars, you can temporarily fold up seats in the designated wheelchair area to create more space for your bike, provided this area is not needed by passengers with disabilities or those requiring priority seating. Always be prepared to yield these spaces.

In Case of Emergency:

In the unlikely event of an emergency evacuation, it is crucial to leave your bicycle behind to ensure a rapid and safe evacuation for all passengers. If it is safe and quick to do so, you may place your bike on top of or between seats to keep aisles and emergency pathways between railcars clear.

Utilizing Bike Racks on CTA Buses

Every CTA bus is equipped with a user-friendly bike rack mounted on the front. These racks include a secure lever arm that extends over your front wheel, firmly holding your bike in place while the bus is in motion.

1. Before the bus arrives, remove any loose items from your bike, including bags or panniers. You will need to carry these items with you onto the bus.

2. Signal to the bus operator that you intend to load your bike. If you are the first to use the bike rack, you will need to lower it by squeezing the handle located in the center of the rack.

3. Lift your bicycle and place it into the wheel well that is closest to the front of the bus. If you are loading the first bike, position your front wheel towards the curb, as this is where the support arm is located. If you are loading a second bike, the front wheel should face away from the curb.

4. Pull out the spring-loaded support arm and raise it upwards and over the top of your front wheel. Secure the arm so it fits snugly where the wheel meets the fork, this will hold your bike steady. If you wish to further secure your bike, you may lock your front wheel to the bike frame, but never lock your bike to the bus rack itself.

5. Board the bus through the front door and pay your fare. For added security, it’s advisable to sit or stand near the front of the bus where you can keep an eye on your bicycle.

6. When you reach your stop, exit through the front door and inform the bus driver that you will be unloading your bike.

7. To remove your bike, lift and return the support arm to its down position, then lift your bike off the rack. If no other bikes are on the rack, squeeze the handle and return the rack to its upright, stowed position.

What if You Leave Your Bike on the Bus?

While we hope this never happens, bikes are occasionally left behind on buses. In such cases, the bike will likely be taken back to the bus garage for that route and placed in their Lost & Found. Visit our Lost & Found page online to identify the garage for your bus route, and call the garage the next day to inquire about your bike.

Keep in mind that buses on some routes may operate from multiple garages. This is also true for train lines, and the lost and found procedure remains the same.

Essential Information for Bikes on CTA

Important Guidelines to Remember

• Passengers aged 14 and older are permitted to bring a bicycle on CTA trains and buses. Children aged 12 or 13 must be accompanied by an adult to bring a bike. Children under 12 are not allowed to bring bicycles on CTA services.
• Many CTA rail stations offer indoor bike parking facilities, and almost all stations provide outdoor bike racks nearby for convenient bike storage.
• Cyclists assume full responsibility for any damage or injury resulting from bringing their bicycle onto CTA property. This includes any injury to the cyclist or others. Liability for damages or injuries remains with the bicycle owner even in the event of sudden stops or incidents, therefore, always stay with your bike, maintain control, and be prepared for sudden stops.
• Folding bicycles are permitted on buses and trains at all times, offering maximum flexibility for commuters.
• Fuel-powered or gas-powered bicycles of any kind are strictly prohibited on CTA premises.
• Divvy bikes and other public bike-share bikes and scooters are not allowed on CTA buses or trains, nor are they permitted within the fare-paid zones of CTA stations.
• Never ride your bike or any micromobility device inside an ‘L’ station. This is extremely dangerous and can cause injury to others or result in falling onto the tracks, which are electrified. Trains enter stations faster than they appear.

Scooters, Bike-Share Programs & More

• Divvy bikes and e-bikes are readily available throughout much of Chicago and Evanston. They provide a great option when you prefer not to bring your own bike and integrate seamlessly with the CTA system. For more information, visit divvybikes.com.
• Other micromobility options, such as e-scooters available through Divvy and other providers, can also serve as useful connections to CTA services.
• Personal e-bikes and e-scooters are allowed on CTA. However, commercially owned bike-share/scooter-share bikes or scooters, including Divvy bikes, are not permitted on CTA buses or trains. While bus bike racks are designed to be robust, they may not safely accommodate very heavy or bulky e-bikes. Always follow the bus driver’s guidance.
• Personal e-scooters must be folded during rush hours or when buses or trains are crowded to maximize space for all passengers.
• Folded scooters and bikes, including e-bikes, are always allowed on ‘L’ trains and buses, provided they are properly folded.
• Bikes and scooters brought onto CTA must be clean and free of dirt or grease that could soil seats, train interiors, or equipment, or cause inconvenience or hazard to other passengers.
• For safety and space considerations, bikes on CTA must not exceed 72 inches (182 cm) in length and 30 inches (76 cm) in width.

Helpful Tips & Resources

Bicycle Parking at CTA ‘L’ Stations

To encourage cycling to transit, bike parking racks are installed outside most ‘L’ stations. For enhanced security and weather protection, many stations also feature sheltered outdoor or indoor bike parking options.

Trip Ideas Combining Bikes and CTA

“Bike & Ride” is not just for daily commutes—it’s perfect for weekend adventures and exploring Chicago! Here are some popular destinations and trails easily accessible via CTA with your bike:

• Chicago’s Lakefront Trail: Easily accessible from most ‘L’ lines and many east-west bus routes.
• Illinois Prairie Path: Take the Blue Line to Forest Park. The path starts from the north side of the station at 1st Avenue.
• North Shore Channel Trail: A short bike ride from Rockwell Brown Line station or Noyes Purple Line station.
• North Branch Trail: A short ride from Francisco or Kedzie Brown Line stations (sections before Foster may require some street cycling).
• Skokie Valley/Sauganash Trail: Runs alongside the Yellow Line from Oakton-Skokie or Dempster-Skokie stations.
• Bloomingdale Trail (The 606): Blue Line to Western or Damen stations (access points at Western, Milwaukee, or Damen Avenues).
• The Boulevard System: Nearest ‘L’ access points: Blue Line at Logan Square or Pulaski (for Independence Blvd), Green Line at Conservatory/Central Park Drive or Garfield, Pink Line from Kedzie or California (for Marshall Blvd), Orange Line at Western or 35th/Archer (for Western Blvd), or Red Line at Garfield.
• Calumet Park & The Burnham Greenway: Take the Red Line to 69th and then the #30 bus to 95th for access to Calumet Park and Burnham Greenway South.

Chicago bike network map Chicago Park District paths & trails