Bringing your bike when you #RideDCTA is simple and fun! Biking allows you to connect to more places within your community and is a proactive way to reduce emissions and fit in time for exercise. Our bike resources webpage has many resources available for those who want to learn more about biking safely around Denton County. You can also check out local clubs and organizations to add more fun to your bike adventure.
Looking to bike a 5K or longer? Our 19-mile A-train Rail Trail is a great way to get some fresh air, and it’s conveniently located alongside our A-train! For kids, we have additional bike resources on our Community Education resource page such as story-time videos, coloring pages and more!
Remember to download our digital bike resources flyer here for cycling tips to take on the go.
Rules for Biking Safely
Be Prepared with Bike Check Tips
It’s important that every cyclist ensures they’re outfitting their bike appropriately for a safe ride. Below are key tips to keep in mind:
- Make sure your bike has reflectors
- Wear a headlamp
- Carry an emergency pump
- Dress in bright or reflective clothing especially if you're cycling in the evening
- Utilize official hand signs during your ride
- Make sure your bags and other items are securely affixed to you or your bike
More helpful bike check tips are available here.
Avoid Riding in Blind Spots
When riding your bike near large vehicles, stay alert and exercise caution. Buses frequently pull to the right when stopping to load and unload passengers. If you’re passing a stopped vehicle on your bike, stay on the bike path which will dictate your way around parked and moving vehicles.
For more bike safety help, visit the League of American Bicyclists for smart cycling tips. Taking a bike trip on our A-train Rail Trail? Read our trail safety blog to learn more.
Look both ways before you cross
When riding your bike, always look both ways when crossing an intersection for buses, trains, cars and alongside rail trails and city streets. Dismounting before you cross any intersection during your bike trip is the way to go to stay safe.
Alongside our A-train Rail Trail, DCTA has installed z crossing fences to encourage bikers to dismount and look both ways before crossing the train intersection. The z crossing fences are also helpful for pedestrians as it reminds them to also look both ways before crossing an intersection or over train tracks.
Stop for Flashing Red Lights
Flashing red lights indicate that the A-train is approaching from either direction. Never walk around or behind lowered gates at a rail crossing, and DO NOT cross the tracks until the lights have stopped flashing and it’s safe to do so. As a friendly reminder, you can be fined for failure to obey these signals.
Always wear a Bike Helmet
Wearing a helmet protects your head from injury. It is important to ensure your helmet is the correct size and fit for your head. A good tip is to shake your head from side to side to ensure your helmet has little movement.
Types of Bikes Allowed on Board
DCTA only allows single-seat, two-wheeled bikes, folding bikes (in a collapsed position) and standard bikes onboard vehicles. Electric bikes with a sealed battery compartment are also permitted. Bike racks are available on the front of most DCTA buses. Bike hooks are available on the A-train, but not required.
We recognize that there are a variety of bicycles to choose from, but the following types are not permitted on DCTA vehicles:
- Bike attachments that block the bus operator’s view
- Bikes pulling wagons
- Electric bikes with internal-combustion engines
How to Load and Unload your Bike on the Bus
DCTA accommodates bikes on transit vehicles whenever possible on a space-available basis. Any passenger may use the bike racks on the front of many DCTA buses. Bikes may be taken on buses not equipped with exterior racks. If priority seating is needed for passengers, bike owners may be asked to move, wait for the next trip or utilize one of the bike racks located at our Downtown Denton Transit Center (DDTC) or any A-train station.
Before Attaching Your Bike to the Rack
- Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop
- Always signal the driver
- Allow others to unload their bikes before loading yours
- Remove any loose items or valuables from your bike
Loading Your Bike on the Bus
- Squeeze the handle on the top of the rack and lower it parallel to the ground
- Place your bike in the rack closest to the bus
- Lift the bar over your bike wheels to secure it
Unloading Your Bike from the Bus
- Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop
- Exit through the front door and tell our bus operator that you will unload your bike
- Make sure our driver sees you before stepping in front of the bus
- Remove the bars from the wheels and lift your bike off the rack
- If the rack is empty, push it back up toward the bus until it’s locked
How to Load and Unload your Bike on the A-train
DCTA accommodates bikes on transit vehicles whenever possible on a space-available basis. Any passenger may use the bike hooks onboard our A-train (located near the ADA-compliant seats). If priority seating is needed for passengers, bike owners may be asked to move, wait for the next trip or utilize one of the bike racks located at our Downtown Denton Transit Center(DDTC) or any A-train station.
Loading Your Bike on the A-train
- Wheel your bike on board the A-train
- Pick up your bike and place one wheel on the hook
- If the rack is full, alert one of our rail operators and they will escort you to another rail car to load your bike on an open rack
Unloading Your Bike from the A-train
- Wait for the A-train to come to a complete stop
- Be aware of those around you
- Carefully remove your bike from the rack by lifting it up and off the hook
- Wheel your bike to the nearest exit
- Do not ride your bike on board or on train station platforms
Parking and Bike Racks
When taking a
trip on your bike it is important to ensure your bike is safe and in an
approved space when you need to leave it. Investing in a bike lock
helps you keep your bike safe.
There are two bike racks at each of our A-train stations and four at the DDTC with the ability to hold eight bikes each. While bike racks come in all shapes and sizes, position your bike and lock in a way that allows others to use the rack as well. If there are no bike racks available, do not lock your bike to street signs, private property or fences. Check with your respective city to learn about their bike policy. Car parking is also available at each A-train station.
Passengers should consider registering their bike with the local police department to facilitate recovery in case your bike is stolen.
DCTA Lost and Found
DCTA is not responsible for lost or stolen bikes. Cyclists should take it upon themselves to secure their bike to a bike rack with a lock. If you have left your bike on a vehicle and need to retrieve it, please call DCTA’s Customer Service team at 940.243.0077.
Passengers can also view our lost and found policy here. We reserve the right to remove any bikes from DCTA property that have been left and abandoned for more than 72 hours.
DFW Biking Resources
There are many ways to get connected to bike groups in your area. Below is a list of North Texas bike resources such as local cycling groups, shops and more.