(Photo © J. Maus)
This week’s question comes from reader Carl Blanchard. He wants to know if the bike racks on the front of TriMet buses are secure. Here’s the question:
“Are you aware of any incidents of bikes being stolen from the racks on the front of TriMet buses? I’m always leery of leaving my bike up there and having to take a seat further back in the bus. And even if I am close to the front, would I have time to stop the thief?”
Carl, I haven’t personally heard of anyone getting a bike stolen from one of those racks, but it does happen. What I have heard of are people simply forgetting their bikes and hopping off the bus without it.
I asked TriMet’s bike guy Colin Maher about this. He confirmed that yes, theft from bus bike racks does happen, “So be vigilant,” he says.
Maher also offered a bit more advice on the subject:
“My advice is to sit close to the front of the bus, keep an eye on it, exit the front door and tell the operator you have a bike on the front. This way the bus doesn’t leave with your bike still on the rack, which happens much more frequently than theft.”
We still haven’t answered your question of whether or not you’d be able to chase down a thief even if you see them in action — I guess that depends on how fast you are!
How about it readers? Do any of you have experiences to share with Carl?