New Riders Bus Schedules / Route Maps Carpools / Vanpools Paratransit Programs Employment Transit Advertising Contact Us

Introduction
Bike & Ride
Employer Support Program
Opportunities Thru Transit (OTT)
Rest Your Car

 

Programs: Bike & Ride

The fast, fun and easy way to take your bike along for the ride!

Getting around Greater Des Moines is easier than ever thanks to DART’s Bike & Ride program.  With a bike rack on every regular and express-route bus you can take your bike just about anywhere - work, special events, parks, even your favorite bike trail!

Just pedal to the nearest DART stop and we will be there to pick you up, along with your bike, at no extra charge.

 How to use video
 How to use bike racks
 Bike & Ride Tips
 Need More Information?
 Lost & Found
 Sponsors


How to Use Video

Watch a video on how to use DART’s Bike & Ride racks. Start the video by clicking on the Play button. To pause the video, click on the Pause button.

 


top


How to use bike racks:

Using DART’s Bike & Ride racks is quick and easy. It usually takes less than 20 seconds to load your bike and board the bus.

 

To load your bike:

1.  

As the bus pulls up, raise your hand to attract the attention of the driver. Before you step in front of the bus, make sure it is completely stopped and the driver sees you.

2.  

If the rack is in the upright position, squeeze the release handle on the top and lower the rack.

3.  

Lift your bike into the wheel. If there is already a bike on the rack, load yours in the opposite direction in the remaining slot.

4.  

When your bike is loaded, lift the support arm up and over the front bike tire as close to the bike frame as possible.

5.  

Board the bus and pay your fare.

 

To unload your bike:

6.  

When approaching your stop, let the bus driver know you will be unloading your bike. Then exit through the front door.

7.  

Lift the support arm from the bike’s front tire and take your bike out of the rack.

8.  

If the rack is empty, please raise the rack up against the bus. Return to the curb and signal the driver that you and your bike are safely away from the bus.


top


DART’s Bike & Ride Tips:

Riders are responsible for loading, securing and removing their bikes from the racks. For safety reasons, bus operators cannot leave the bus to assist bike rack users.

DART’s bike racks will accommodate most single-rider, two wheel bicycles including children’s and all-terrain bikes. However, tandems, recumbents, mopeds and tricycles cannot be mounted.

  • Minimum tire size is 20”.
  • Maximum tire size is 29”.
  • Maximum wheel base is 44”.
  • Maximum weight per bicycle is 55 lbs.

Children 10 and under are not permitted to use DART’s bike racks unless accompanied by an adult.

Bike racks are available on a first-come, first serve basis. Each rack can carry only two bicycles. If the rack is full, please wait for the next bus.

For safety reasons, always load and unload your bike from the curbside of the bus.

To allow for faster boarding of you and your bike, before the bus arrives at the stop please remove all loose items, including water bottles and air pumps from your bike.

Bikes are secured by tires, not the frame and two loaded bikes will not touch each other while on the rack. Personal locks, chains or other securement devices cannot be used.

Bikes are not allowed inside buses unless they are collapsible and fold into to the size of a standard piece of luggage.

The DART is not responsible for any theft or damage while a bike is mounted on a rack or at any DART facility.


top



Need More Information?

Need more information? We’ll be glad to help. Just call us at 515-283-8100.


top


Lost & Found

Unclaimed bikes will be kept in DART’s Lost & Found and held for no more than 30 days. Please call 515-283-8111 between 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday – Friday if you leave your bike or other belongings behind.


top


Sponsors

The DART would like to thank the following companies for their generous donations and support:



The development of the DART Bike and Ride program was financed in part through federal funds provide by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration.


top