MBTA caters to cyclists

New initiatives released during Bay State Bike Week expand rider access

CAMBRIDGE. The MBTA will install roughly 1,000 more bike racks at stations throughout its system and announce its second commuter rail bike coach, initiatives the T will highlight over the next few days with the backdrop of Bay State Bike Week.

This summer, the T will also install a bike cage at Alewife station, where about 250 cyclists park their bikes daily and seven new racks were recently added. The pilot program would include video surveillance in the cage and keycard access, possibly using modified CharlieCards, according to MBTA General Manager Dan Grabauskas. He said the bike cage would help protect against theft or vandalism, a common concern for riders locking their bikes in the open at stations.

“Time and again, the top issues that come up are that more people are taking their bikes to stations,” Grabauskas said. “People would prefer to take their bikes, and we’re trying to expand access for them.”

Between 80 percent and 90 percent of subway and commuter rail stations provide bike parking. In addition, one-third of buses are equipped with bike racks, and the T should have its entire fleet equipped by 2012. After introducing its first commuter rail bike coach in 2006 that served the Rockport line, the T will announce this week a second line with similar service to beaches on the South Shore.

The T is also considering expanding periods when bikes are allowed on subway vehicles.

Currently, riders can take their bikes on the subway on weekdays before 7 a.m., between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and after 7 p.m., as well as all day on weekends and not including substitute bus shuttle service.