South Orange Jitneys Now Have Bike Racks

The South Orange Parking Authority announced that the village jitneys now feature bicycle racks, part of the agency’s effort to expand transportation options and combine two popular modes of transportation.

According to a release, bicycle racks are now mounted on the front ends of two jitneys, #734 and #735. No additional cost is incurred for using the racks.

The stainless-steel racks hold three bikes each. Only single-seat, two-wheeled bicycles are permitted. If the rack is full, cycling customers should be prepared to wait for the next bus with a rack.

Cyclists are responsible for loading and unloading their bicycles from the rack. Jitney drivers will not be permitted to assist.

To use the racks, cyclists must remove any large baggage from their bikes. All baggage must accompany the rider on the bus.

Before boarding a jitney, riders must first alert the jitney driver that they will be loading their bicycle. If no other bicycle is in position, they will first need to lower the rack by squeezing the center handle. Riders should load their bikes into the empty wheel well that’s closest to the bus, with the front wheel facing the curb, the pull the spring-loaded support arm out and upwards. This arm can be fastened over the front tire at the highest point of the wheel to hold the bicycle in place.

Locks cannot be used to secure bicycles to the racks. Riders can lock their front wheels to the bicycle frame before the bus arrives.

When leaving the bus, riders should tell the driver they want to remove their bicycle.

For more information, contact the South Orange Parking Authority at (973) 378-7715, ext. 2037, or SOPA@southorange.org.

Photo courtesy of the South Orange Parking Authority