9 replies to this topic

[CNJRoss]

StreetsBlog Chicago, 6/22:
 

The South Shore Line Expects You to Wait Six Years for Bike Access

 

Eager to bring your bike on a South Shore Line train to visit Notre Dame University, commute from Northwest Indiana to Chicago, or take a spin around the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore? You may well be able to do that – some time in 2021.

 

At a recent board meeting of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District, the agency that runs the rail line between Chicago and South Bend, consultants recommended that the transit agency wait six years to pilot a bikes-on-board program. We’re not even talking about full implementation here, but merely testing out the program on a limited basis.

 

In contrast, Metra’s Bikes on Trains program has been around for over a decade. Granted, it took some strong-arming from then-lieutenant governor Pat Quinn to force Metra to agree to the policy change. NICTD has been studying the issue since 2013, around the time I launched a petition for bike access on the South Shore, which 731 people signed.

 

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[CNJRoss]

StreetsBlog Chicago, 6/23:
 

South Shore Line: We Want to Accommodate Bikes But Don’t Know How Yet

 

As I discussed yesterday, the agency that runs the South Shore Line commuter rail service, between Chicago and South Bend, is considering piloting a bikes-on-trains program, but not for six long years. The Northern Illinois Commuter Transportation District’s ridiculous feet-dragging on the issue prompted the Active Transportation Alliance to sarcastically bestow them a Broken Spoke Award as “the least bike-friendly commuter rail service in the nation.”

 

Even though the South Shore is the only commuter line in the country that doesn’t accommodate cyclists, NICTD recognizes the importance of bicycle access, according to marketing and outreach director John Parsons. “There are a lot of great places to get on a bike around here,” he said, adding that the agency knows that it can be challenging to access destinations from its train stations on foot.

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[CNJRoss]

Northwest Indiana Times, Muncie, IN 7/8:

 

Public can learn about bikes on South Shore trains

 

A movement to allow bicycles on South Shore trains will enter a new phase July 16 at a public meeting to explain a report that recommends holding off on the move until 2021.

 

The results of the Bikes on Trains Feasibility Study will be presented from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Indiana Dunes Visitors Center, 1215 Ind. 49, in Porter. The report was presented to Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District trustees at their May 29 meeting.

 

Critics have accused NICTD of foot-dragging on the issue, but railroad officials said they have not yet been able to fully explain the study and its recommendations.

 

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[KevinKorell]

Northwest Indiana Times, Munster, IN,  7/16/15:

 

Bikes on South Shore trains wait could be shortened

 

Bicycle enthusiasts at the Indiana Dunes Visitors Center heard Thursday about a plan to allow bikes on South Shore trains, but not until 2021.

More

[CNJRoss]

Chicago Tribune; Post-Tribune suburbs news, 8/3:
 

 

South Shore ready for bikes next spring

The South Shore Railroad is gearing up to carry bicycles on trains next spring, kick starting the transit plan years earlier than a previous timeline.

 

South Shore General Manager Mike Noland unveiled prototypes of two bicycle racks at Friday's Northern Indiana Commuter Transit board meeting and the board approved a one-year pilot program set to start in April. The racks were designed by SportWorks, a Seattle-based transit design company.

 

Advocates have been pushing the initiative for about 10 years. Bike supporters say the South Shore is the only commuter railroad in the nation that bans bicycles on its trains because its cars aren't configured to hold them.

 

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[CNJRoss]

South Bend (IN) Tribune, 8/10
 

 

Take your bike on the South Shore? Yes, and here's how it will work

GM answers questions about end of bike ban

 

 

Starting in April, you will be able to take your bicycle on South Shore trains for excursions to popular destinations like the Indiana Dunes and downtown Chicago.

 

South Shore Railroad personnel mounted a bike rack in one of their passenger cars last week to show how the rack would be used. Unlike what is shown, South Shore cars won’t have any seats on the same side as bikes when the service begins. Photo provided

 

The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District’s board approved a one-year pilot project July 31, finally meeting a request that biking advocates, park supporters and cities have sought for several years.

 

Certain trains will permit the bikes on Saturdays and Sundays only.

 

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[CNJRoss]

Post-Tribune, 3/21:
 

South Shore rolls out bikes on trains April 2

 

South Shore riders will be able to bring their bikes on board at high platform stations beginning April 2.

 

For now, the pilot program will be offered on weekends only through October.

 

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[KevinKorell]

Chicago, IL Tribune, 4/19/16:

 

Column: Bicycling into Chicago, via the train

 

All aboard? Not so much when it comes to bicyclists riding the South Shore rail line with their bikes in tow this month.

 

Complete column continues.

[CNJRoss]

Post-Tribune by Chicago  Tribune, 11/10:
 

South Shore evaluating bike program

 

The South Shore Line's first season of carrying bicycles on weekend trains wasn't the rousing success some had hoped.

 

Most of the bike racks the railroad installed on some cars went empty, particularly in rainy or cool weather, officials said.

 

John Parsons, the railroad's director of marketing and planning, said the South Shore is still analyzing the numbers from the first season, which ended in early November.

 

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[CNJRoss]

NICTD news release 3/31/17:

 

South Shore Line expands Bikes on Train Program to weekday trains - Starting April 1

 

CHESTERTON, Ind. – Now you can ride your bike to work from the train station! The South Shore Line’s (SSL) Bikes on Trains program is now being offered on two morning and evening rush-hour weekday trains in addition to select weekend trains. Bike cars will be available on select weekend/holiday and select weekday trains from April through October.

 

 Bike cars are bike rack-equipped in addition to regular seating so that passengers can ride in the car near their bicycle. This year, the program is expanding to include two morning and evening rush-hour weekday trains. Bike-rack equipped train cars are clearly marked with a bike symbol prominently located on the windows of the car. Bikes are not permitted during special Chicago events such as Lollapalozza and the Chicago Air & Water Show.

 

“The team at the South Shore Line is proud to be providing this expanded service for bicyclists,” said Nicole Barker, Director of Capital Investment and Implementation. “We want to help people get to and from their jobs, and also to encourage people to explore Northwest Indiana and Chicago by bike,” she added. For more information on bike-friendly train schedules, discounts and to plan your trip, download the SSL app.