Current Approval Date: March 20, 2024

PURPOSE

This policy provides direction on the identification, application, and management of conventional and e-Bikes on the Metrolinx network, including in trains, buses, and stations.

POLICY STATEMENT

The policy provides definitive identification of both conventional and electric bikes, permissibility on Metrolinx infrastructure, permissible operations or usage, and permissible storage or transportation. The policy provides the formal accountability of Metrolinx as the authority for safety, security, and operational management, and asserts Metrolinx’s rights to enforce the policy under By-Law 2, the applicable governing by-law.

SCOPE & APPLICATION

The policy applies to all public transportation vehicles and facilities owned, operated, or leased by Metrolinx. All vehicles that meet the minimum criteria to be considered a Bicycle (conventional or electric) are subject to this policy in its entirety. Non-Conventional cycles are subject to the identified rules under the “Rules concerning other cycles not explicitly defined in this policy” section. This policy does not govern the use or transportation of other electric vehicles such as scooters, wheelchairs, and other mobility devices not otherwise explicitly defined herein. This policy does not supersede legal or regulatory requirements as established by the Federal or Provincial Government, nor does it contravene the Ontario Human Rights Code, 1962.

SPECIFIC DIRECTIVES

GENERAL RULES APPLYING TO BICYCLES & PERMISSIBLE E-BIKES

Unconditional right to refuse access to Metrolinx property, facilities and vehicles

Metrolinx reserves the right to refuse property, facility, or vehicle access to any Bicycle, Permissible e-Bike, Non-Permissible e-Bike, or any other cycle not defined in this policy that in the sole opinion of a proper authority may pose a safety risk or otherwise unduly inconvenience any other person.

Per Metrolinx By-Law 2, s. 5(5.3): Where a proper authority has reasonable grounds to believe an offence under Metrolinx By-law 2 has been committed by a person, the proper authority may require the name, address and proof of age, identity, and/or fulfilment of any pre-condition to or requirement of a concession or special fare, and the person shall provide the required information to the proper authority at the time of request.

Bicycles, Permissible e-Bikes, Non-Permissible e-Bikes, and Non-Conventional cycles (see page 6 for Non-Conventional cycle description) are not permitted on Metrolinx property except in accordance with this policy.

Operating a Bicycle or Permissible e-Bike on Metrolinx property

• Bicycles and Permissible e-Bikes may only be ridden on vehicular roadways, parking lot drive aisles (including inside parking structures), dedicated bicycle lanes and designated shared-use paths while on Metrolinx property.
• Traffic signs and lane markers on Metrolinx property apply to all vehicles, including Bicycles and Permissible e-Bikes.
• Operating, riding, or sitting astride a Bicycle or Permissible e-Bike is prohibited (equipment must be walked or carried) inside Metrolinx facilities and vehicles, including in the following areas:
• on platforms
• on trains or buses
• in tunnels, station buildings, concourses, or terminals
• on sidewalks or other pedestrian-priority areas
• on dedicated transitways or bus loops
• on stairwells, escalators, or elevators
• Placing a Permissible e-Bike under power (turning it on) and/or applying propulsion assistance is prohibited on shared-use pathways within Metrolinx property; Permissible e-Bikes must be propelled by muscular power alone while on pathways shared with pedestrians.

Bringing a Bicycle or Permissible e-Bike inside Metrolinx facilities

• Bicycles and Permissible e-Bikes may be brought (walked or carried) inside Metrolinx facilities, except inside Union Station during weekday rush hours:
• Morning rush hour: Bicycles and Permissible e-Bikes are not allowed inside Union Station between 6:30AM and 9:30AM on weekdays.
• Evening rush hour: Bicycles and Permissible e-Bikes are not allowed inside Union Station between 3:30PM and 6:30PM on weekdays.
• Rush hour restrictions are not in place on weekends or Ontario statutory holidays.
• The individual must not allow the Bicycle or Permissible e-Bike to impede the movement of other individuals, Metrolinx employees, vehicles, contractors, or law enforcement personnel.
• The individual must remain close enough to their Bicycle or Permissible e-Bike that they can identify it as their property if requested by a Metrolinx employee, contractor or law enforcement personnel and be able to relocate it in a timely fashion, if requested.
• The Bicycle or Permissible e-Bike must be kept back from the yellow line or tactile safety line on all platforms.
• Permissible e-Bikes must be kept away from any heater or other energized source.

Locking a Bicycle or Permissible e-Bike on Metrolinx property

• Bicycles and Permissible e-Bikes may be locked at a Metrolinx station facility for a period not exceeding 72hrs, subject to the following restrictions:
• The Bicycle or Permissible e-Bike must be locked at a purpose-built bike rack, or inside a reserved bicycle parking facility; it may not be locked to any other part of a Metrolinx facility or property, including poles, fences, pipes, or handrails.
• The individual is not permitted to store their lock on Metrolinx bike racks, or inside a reserved bicycle parking facility; any locks fastened to Metrolinx bike racks independently of their owner’s Bicycle or Permissible e-Bike will be removed.
• Metrolinx reserves the right to remove Bicycles or Permissible e-Bikes that have been locked for a period exceeding 72hrs.

Transporting a Bicycle or Permissible e-Bike on Metrolinx vehicles

GO Transit trains:

• Folding Bicycles, when folded and carried as per design, may be transported as hand luggage on GO Transit trains at all times.
• Non-folding Bicycles and Permissible e-Bikes may be transported on GO Transit trains subject to the following restrictions:
• Bicycles and Permissible e-Bikes may not be transported during weekday rush hour service in the peak direction:
• Morning rush hour: Bicycles and Permissible e-Bikes are not allowed on trains that are scheduled to arrive at Union Station between 6:30AM and 9:30AM on weekdays, regardless of the individual’s specific origin / destination station.
• Evening rush hour: Bicycles and Permissible e-Bikes are not allowed on trains that are scheduled to depart Union Station between 3:30PM and 6:30PM on weekdays, regardless of the individual’s specific origin / destination station.
• Rush hour restrictions are not in place on weekends or Ontario statutory holidays.
• The individual must store the Bicycle or Permissible e-Bike in a designated bike zone or designated bike coach at all times, unless instructed to move the Bicycle or Permissible e-Bike by a proper authority.
• The individual must not allow the Bicycle or Permissible e-Bike to impede the movement of other individuals, Metrolinx employees, contractors, or law enforcement personnel.
• The individual must position the Bicycle or Permissible e-Bike in a secure manner so that it will not move or fall during the regular or irregular movement of the train.
• Bicycles and Permissible e-Bikes may not be brought on board train coaches that have already reached their posted capacity limit: a maximum of 2 Bicycles and Permissible e-Bikes is permitted in each designated bike zone. Designated bike coach capacity may vary.
• The Bicycle or Permissible e-Bike must not be locked to any part of the GO Transit train, including any poles, handrails or Bicycle racks.
• The individual must remain close enough to their Bicycle or Permissible e-Bike so as to be able to immediately control its movements at all times, unless the Bicycle or Permissible e-Bike is securely stored in a bike rack on board a designated bike coach.
• When traveling with a Bicycle that is securely stored in a bike rack on board a designated bike coach, the individual must remain in the same designated bike coach, be able to identify the Bicycle as their property if requested by a proper authority, and be able to readily access and relocate it in a timely fashion, if requested.
• When traveling with a Permissible e-Bike that is securely stored in a bike rack on board a designated bike coach, the individual must remain in a location where they have an unobstructed view of their Permissible e-Bike at all times and be able to readily access and relocate it in a timely fashion, if requested.
• If a train is equipped with designated bike coaches, Permissible e-Bikes should be transported exclusively in those coaches, unless these coaches have already reached their posted capacity limit.
• Bicycles and Permissible e-Bikes cannot be stored on board Accessible Coaches, except for individuals who have requested a special accommodation and received an approval letter from GO Transit.
• Accommodations require contacting GO Transit's Contact Centre for formal request and approval.

GO Transit buses:

• Folding Bicycles, when folded and carried as per design, may be transported as hand luggage on GO Transit buses at all times.
• Non-folding Bicycles and Permissible e-Bikes may be transported on GO Transit buses subject to the following restrictions:
• The Bicycle must not exceed a maximum weight of 25kg; the Permissible e-Bike with its battery removed must not exceed a maximum weight of 25kg.
• The battery of any Permissible e-Bike must be removed prior to loading in the front-mounted bike rack and must be secured by the individual for the entirety of their trip.
• Permissible e-Bike batteries must be kept away from any heater or other energized source.
• Bicycles and Permissible e-Bikes must be stored in the front-mounted bike rack equipped on every bus.
• All accessories that are not bolt-fastened to the Bicycle or Permissible e-Bike’s frame (including bottles, lights, bags, clip-on fenders, etc.) must be removed prior to loading.
• If any accessory or other item attached to the Bicycle or Permissible e-Bike obstructs the bus driver’s view in the bus driver’s sole opinion, it must be removed prior to loading.
• The individual must be able to safely load their Bicycle or Permissible e-bike into the front-mounted bike rack without assistance from any Metrolinx employee or contractor.

UP Express trains:

• Bicycles are generally not permitted on UP Express trains at any time, with two exceptions:
• Folding Bicycles, when folded and carried as per design, may be transported on UP Express trains at all times.
• Non-folding Bicycles stored in an aircraft-ready bicycle box, may be transported on UP Express trains at all times.
• Permissible e-Bikes may not be transported on UP Express trains.

Charging Permissible e-Bikes is prohibited everywhere at Metrolinx

• Charging a Permissible e-Bike, plugging it into an electrical outlet, or connecting it to any charging device is prohibited.

RULES APPLYING TO NON-PERMISSIBLE E-BIKES AND OTHER CYCLES NOT EXPLICITLY DEFINED IN THIS POLICY

Rules concerning Non-permissible e-Bikes

• Non-Permissible e-Bikes may only be used to access Metrolinx station parking lots.
• Non-Permissible e-Bikes may only be ridden on vehicular roadways, parking lot drive aisles, and dedicated bicycle lanes while on Metrolinx property.
• Non-Permissible e-Bikes shall only be locked or parked in motorcycle or car parking spots.
• Charging a Non-Permissible e-Bike, plugging it into an electrical outlet, or connecting it to any charging device is prohibited.

Rules concerning other cycles not explicitly defined in this policy

• Pedal-driven unicycles, child-sized tricycles, child-sized Bicycles with training wheels, and child-sized push bikes are subject to the same rules as Bicycles as outlined in the “General rules applying to bicycles & permissible e-bikes” section.
• All other types of cycles that do not clearly meet the definitions outlined in the “Definitions” section (hereinafter “Non-Conventional Cycles”) are subject to the following restrictions:
• Non-Conventional Cycles are subject to the same rules as Bicycles in sections “Unconditional right to refuse access to Metrolinx property”, “Operating a bicycle or permissible e-bike on Metrolinx property”, and “Locking a bicycle or permissible e-bike on Metrolinx property”.
• Generally, Non-Conventional Cycles may not be brought inside Metrolinx facilities or on Metrolinx vehicles, except where the individual has requested an accommodation and received an approval letter from GO Transit
• Examples of Non-Conventional Cycles include, but are not limited to: Bicycles equipped with trailers or third-wheel attachments, handcycles, recumbent bicycles, adult-sized tricycles (i.e., tricycles designed for adults that are equipped with a chain-driven drivetrain), cargo bikes, tandem bicycles, etc.
• To request an accommodation, requests must be routed to the GO Transit Contact Centre.
• For instances where individuals are uncertain or unclear of the applicability of the policy to their equipment, clarification must be sought from the GO Transit Contact Centre prior to travel.

Enforcement of the Metrolinx Bike Policy

• Non-compliance with this policy and/or Metrolinx By-Law 2 may result in a warning, ticket, or other enforcement action, including provincial offence proceedings under the Provincial Offences Act.
• The maximum fine through a Notice of Violation for contravention of Metrolinx By-Law 2 is $360, including potential court or victim fees.
• Individuals issued a Notice of Violation have fifteen (15) days from issuance to pay or dispute the ticket.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Metrolinx will maintain a records management system for all violations of this policy in compliance with Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 1990. Reporting will be completed on an ad hoc basis.

REFERENCES

Metrolinx By-Law No. 2

Metrolinx Act, S.O 2006

Railway Safety Act, 1985

Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990

Conformité Européenne EN15194:2017

Underwriters Laboratories UL2849

DEFINITIONS

Bicycles:

“Bicycle” is a two-wheeled pedal-driven bicycle of conventional exposed fork-and-frame bicycle design and appearance, and that is incapable of providing propulsion assistance.

Permissible e-Bike(s):

“Permissible e-Bike” is a pedal-driven bicycle of conventional exposed fork-and-frame bicycle design and appearance that does not resemble a motor scooter or motorcycle and that,

• has only two wheels,
• is fitted at all times with pedals that are always operable to propel the bicycle,
• is capable at all times of being propelled on level ground solely by using muscular power to operate the pedals,
• has steering handlebars,
• has wheels that have a width of not less than 35 millimetres and a diameter of not less than 350 millimetres,
• has one or more electric motors that, singly or in combination, have a continuous rated output power not exceeding 500 watts and that is incapable of providing propulsion assistance when the bicycle attains a speed of 32 kilometres per hour or more,
• has a battery and electrical system that meets the certification requirements of one of the following Metrolinx-approved standards authorities:
• EN15194 as identified by a manufacturer-installed Conformité Européenne sticker (CE mark)
• UL2849 as identified by a manufacturer-installed Underwriters Laboratories sticker (UL mark)
• weighs not more than 55 kilograms, unless being transported on a GO Bus, wherein the e-Bike must not exceed a maximum weight of 25kg with the battery removed. Specific requirements for Bicycles and e-Bikes on GO Rail and GO Bus are provided in the “Transporting a Bicycle or Permissible e-Bike on Metrolinx vehicles” section.

Non-permissible e-Bike(s)

"Non-Permissible e-Bike" means any other cycle captured by the definitions for "power-assisted bicycle" or “motor assisted bicycle” as contained in the Highway Traffic Act, 1990, that do not meet the definition for Bicycle or Permissible e-Bike as defined in this policy.