The cyclist community in the Phoenix Metropolitan area has grown rapidly in recent years. More and more residents are using bicycles to get around. We’ve put together a list of resources for those looking to get out there and pedal.
Riding Public Transit with a Bicycle
Public transit in the Phoenix metro is bike friendly. Check out Valley Metro’s tips on bringing your bike on the bus or light rail.
Safety First
Always take safety precautions when riding public transit. See passenger safety tips on the Valley Metro website.
Light Rail
If you have a bike – Bicycle symbols indicate the doors nearest to the bicycle rack located inside the train. Bike racks are available on a first come, first-served basis. If the bicycle rack on the train is full or you are unable to load your bicycle into the rack, you may stand with your bicycle as long as you do not block the aisle or doorway. You are responsible for loading and unloading your bicycle. For safety reasons, the operator cannot leave the cabin to assist you. See all the tips for bringing a bike with you when you ride the bus on the Valley Metro website.
Bus
If you have a bike – All Valley Metro buses are equipped with bike racks, which are available on a first come, first-served basis. If the rack is full, you will need to wait until the next bus. See all the tips for bringing a bike with you when you ride the bus on the Valley Metro website.
You can also check out how to use the two types of bike racks available on the bus on the Valley Metro website.
Securing Your Bike at Stations and Transit Centers
Bicycles may not be secured to the station structure, railings or fences. Warning notices will be placed on bikes secured to unauthorized locations. After 24 hours, the lock will be cut and the bicycle will be removed and taken to Lost and Found at Central Station, located at Van Buren and Central Avenue in downtown Phoenix. A notice will be left at the bicycle’s location to advise the owner.
You are allowed to secure your bicycle to racks at the following locations:
All Valley Metro Rail Park-and-Rides
Montebello/19th Avenue
19th Avenue/Camelback
Central Avenue/Camelback
38th Street/Washington
Dorsey/Apache Boulevard
McClintock/Apache Boulevard
Price-101 Freeway/Apache Boulevard
Sycamore/Main Street
Valley Metro Rail Station Platform Bike Racks
Center Parkway/Washington
Priest Drive/Washington
Dorsey/Apache Boulevard
Smith-Martin/Apache Boulevard
Adjacent Sidewalk/Bus Stop Bike Racks
7th Avenue/Camelback
Campbell/Central Avenue
Indian School/Central Avenue
Osborn/Central Avenue
Thomas/Central Avenue
Encanto/Central Avenue
McDowell/Central Avenue
Washington/Central Avenue
12th Street/Jefferson and 12th Street/Washington
24th Street/Jefferson and 24th Street/Washington
44th Street / Washington
Veterans Way/College Avenue
University Drive/Rural Road
Tempe Transportation Center
Bicyclists can secure their bikes, buy gear and receive with any necessary repairs at the Tempe Transportation Center’s Bicycle Cellar. More than 100 bike racks are available for rent in a 24-hour secured building with showers and lockers. Visit www.thebicyclecellar.com for more information.
Bicycle Clubs & Programs
ADOT Bike and Pedestrian Program
The Arizona Department of Transportation’s (ADOT) Bike and Pedestrian Program provides lots of resources for those interested in learning more about cycling in the area. Head to their website for Arizona cycling laws and policies, theArizona Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, and plenty of maps and cycling resources.
Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) Bicycle Program
MCDOT adopted their Regional Trail System Plan in 2004. Check out resources for Maricopa county on their program website, including a great list of local and national cycling organizations.
Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee
The MAG Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee is composed of representatives from MAG member agencies, as well as the development, architecture, and landscape architecture communities. Take a look at MAG resources on the committee webpage. You can view county projects, the regional bikeways print and online map and the schedule of upcoming meetings.
City-Specific Bicycle Programs
Many Valley cities have bicycle programs to encourage cycling and to improve the quality of cycling in the Metro area. Check out some of the city programs below:
Phoenix
Take a look at Phoenix’s GRiD Bikeshare program and their comprehensive bicycle master plan.
Tempe
Check out Tempe’s bike plan, register your bike, and take a look at area maps.
Mesa
Mesa features safety resources, bike registration and their bike survey and master plan.
Glendale
Take a look at Glendale bike maps and their Glendale family bike ride information.
For the Mountain Bikers Among Us
Check out www.MountainBikeAZ.org for great resources on Arizona mountain biking – including reviews of trails.
Are You an App Person?
Check out the Phoenix Bikes app. It’s newly launched and was developed by local bike shops. The app has resources and suggested routes for Phoenix cyclists and is available on the iTunes app store for free. Give it a go!
You can also try the Map My Ride app. While it doesn’t have a specific tie to Phoenix, it is free on the iTunes store and allows you to brag about your ride on social media and share your favorite routes with friends all with a few taps on your smart device.
Bicycle Advocacy Groups
The Coalition for Arizona Bicyclists
Rusty Spoke Community Bicycle Collective
Bike Saviours Bicycle Collective
Do you know of a group or resource we haven’t listed? Let us know at info@friendsoftransit.org .