In an effort to make their bike hooks more user-friendly, TriMet has added new signage on MAX trains reminding passengers that the hook area is for bikes (not for standing in).
TriMet planner and designated bike guy Colin Maher says the new signs were installed because, “we heard that customers were having difficulty hanging their bike because another passenger was standing under the hook and refusing to move, even if they were easily able to do so.”
“So long as the train isn’t too crowded to board, we ask passengers not to stand under the hooks if someone needs to hang their bike.”
–TriMet’s Colin Maher
Maher adds that they hope the signs reinforce that the hook area is for bikes and that, “So long as the train isn’t too crowded to board, we ask passengers not to stand under the hooks if someone needs to hang their bike.”
(My only nitpick with the new signs is that they label riders with bikes as “cyclists”. I think it would be better if the signs said, “Allow riders with bikes to access hook.”)
The signs are part of a larger effort by TriMet to improve their bike hooks. Besides improving access, they’re also coating the hooks with rubber so rims don’t get scratched and they’re in the testing phase of moving the hooks so that wide handlebars don’t interfere with the train’s doors.
At this point, there are no plans to improve security of hanging bikes. Maher says TriMet recommends that riders stay with their bikes at all times to keep them secure. That’s good advice, because you don’t want to end up like this guy.
[Thanks to Jessica R. for the tip!]