Each Oshkosh Transit System bus is now equipped with a bike rack. The bike rack program, called Bike N Ride, was established to highlight safe use of this travel option for transit riders. Each bike rack is located at the front of the bus and will hold up to two bikes. There is no additional charge for your bicycle. No special permit or certification is required to use the bike rack. This service will be available year round on all OTS bus routes. After loading your bike, hop on the bus, pay your fare, and enjoy the ride. The information below is designed to help educate riders and promote safe usage.
Bus bike racks have many advantages. They will allow cyclists to broaden their area of travel. Bike and bus travel promotes a healthy lifestyle. It's environmentally smart to travel by bike and bus. Finally, bike and bus travel saves commuting costs when compared to travel by personal car.
How to use a Bike Rack:
- Squeeze the release handle and gently lower rack.
- Lift your bike onto the rack. Fit your wheels into the bike tray slots.
- Rotate the handle located near the bottom of the rack until your front tire is held by the wheel locking arm.
- To unload bike, lower the wheel locking arm using the handle, remove bike and raise rack if there are no other bikes currently using it.
Bike Rack Training:
While there is no training or certification required to use the bike racks, OTS will provide a brief demonstration to anyone that would like to learn how to use the bike rack. To schedule an appointment, call OTS at 920 232-5341. Demonstrations will occur at OTS's office at 926 Dempsey Trail and be scheduled during OTS's office hours 8 am - 4:30 pm, Monday andFriday. OTS's Office is located on Route 7 (West High). Feel free to bring your bike for the demo.
Route and Schedule Information:
Click here for route and schedule information.
If this is your first trip on OTS buses, click here to learn how to ride the bus.
Safe and Smart Riding:
- While waiting at a bus stop with your bike, stand near the bus stop sign or corner as a bus approaches. Always approach the bus from the curb side and never ride around to the front of a bus from the street side.
- Before the bus arrives, remove any loose items (water bottles, zipper pouch, bike pump, etc.) from your bike. You may take these items with you on the bus.
- You may not lock your bicycle to the rack on the front of a bus. If you would like added security, simply lock your front wheel to the frame of your bike before the bus approaches.
- When your bus arrives and comes to a stop, make eye contact and wave to the driver, so the driver knows that you are about to load a bike. When loading, use the available rack position closest to the bus.
- Bike racks can only carry two bikes at a time. They are available on a first come, first served basis. Please wait for the next bus if the rack is full.
- After mounting your bike, you can give your bike a quick shake to make sure it's fully in place.
- If you notice any problem with a rack, notify the bus operator and wait for the next bus it's best for everyone's safety (as well as for the well-being of your bike!).
- Remember, the operator must stay on the bus and will not be able to assist you with the rack. However, they may offer you advice or directions while you mount your bike.
- If possible, sit near the front of the bus where you can check on your bike.
- Don't forget to remind the driver that you need to unload your bike when you are getting off the bus. This is VERY important as blind spots may prevent the operator from seeing you.
Other Tips & Info:
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult for loading and unloading bikes on OTS buses.
- The racks will support most bikes. However, bikes that do not safely fit in the rack will not be allowed. This includes all recumbent bikes, tandem bikes, motorized bikes, three-wheeled bikes, and other non-standard bikes that are tall enough to obstruct a bus operator's view. Additionally, bikes with wheel dimensions of less than 16 will not be allowed.
- Items that protrude from the bicycle, such as flags/poles are not allowed.
- We appreciate your cooperation!
Here are a few points of interest for cyclists that are near OTS routes:
Route 1 (East Loop) - Menominee Park & Leach Amphitheater
Route 2 (Bowen Street) - Oshkosh Public Library, County Road A (lakeshore road to Neenah), ADVOCAP
Route 4 (North Main) - City Hall, North High School, St. Vincent de Paul
Route 5 (Algoma Park) - North High School, Wiouwash Trail
Route 6 (UWO) - Wiouwash Trail, UWO, West High School, Pollock Community Water Park
Route 7 (West High) - West High School, OTS Office, Seniors Center, FVTC
Route 9 (Ninth Ave.) - Safe rides across the Hwy 41 overpass (at 9th Ave and 20th Ave.), Wheel & Sprocket, Mercy Medical Center, Aurora Medical Center, shopping centers, Southwest Industrial Park, YMCA
Route 10 (Neenah) - County Park, Expo Center, downtown Neenah
Route 11 (South Park) - Wittman Airport, Oshkosh Cyclery & Fitness, Bicycle Outlet, shopping centers, South Park
All Routes provide access to downtown and many routes provide service to the city's fringe, where local roads with low traffic volume are accessible.
Cycling Links:
Oshkosh Cycling Club,
http://www.oshkoshcyclingclub.com/
Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin,
http://www.bfw.org/
Winnebago County bike conditions map,
http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/travel/bike-foot/docs/bikewinnebago.pdf
Suggested routes near Oshkosh,
http://www.mapmyride.com/find-ride/united-states/wi/oshkosh
Lost and Found:
Should you forget your bike on the rack or lose other items on the bus, call OTS Lost and Found at (920) 232-5340 and give us the route, location, date and time you lost your bike or item, as well as a description. OTS will store lost bikes for 24 hours and then turn unclaimed bikes over to the Oshkosh Police Department.
Thanks for considering OTS as part of your ride!