We all know that transit is a bike-friendly mode of transportation. Using public transit, bicyclists can travel throughout the Valley without ever using a car. Here are some great resources to make transit connections easier, as well as resources on finding the best trails in the Valley.

Light Rail
METRO Light Rail is bike-friendly, with four bike racks in each light rail vehicle. There are also bike racks available at every park-and-ride location and at or near many stations. Symbols on the train windows show bikers which door is nearest to the bike racks, and there is room inside the vehicle for bicyclists to stand with their bikes.

Bike safety around light rail is important. The trains are quiet, so bicyclists should look for flashing headlights and listen for warning bells and horns. Obey all traffic lights and signals. When crossing the tracks, cross at an angle to avoid falling or tire damage. Never bike on the light rail  tracks and always walk your bike onto the station platform and train.

Bus
All Valley Metro buses are equipped with bike racks. Racks are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If the bike rack is full, you will need to wait for the next bus.

When taking your bike on a bus trip, load your bike as quickly as possible while other passengers are boarding. Make sure your bike is secured properly and become familiarized with the difference bike racks. To safeguard your bike, lock the wheels to the bike frame, not to the bike rack. Let the bus operator know where you will exit the bus, and remind the operator that you will be unloading your bike when you exit the bus. If no other bikes are left on the rack when you remove yours, please put the rack in the upright position.

How to use the Spring-Arm bus bike racks
How to use the Velcro-Belt bus bike racks

Tempe Transportation Center
The Tempe Transportation Center is located at 200 E. Fifth Street in Tempe at the base of A-Mountain at the College Ave light rail station. The 40,000 square foot facility has an exterior shaded courtyard and a transit plaza serving the METRO light rail and local and regional bus riders. The Transportation Center also houses The Bicycle Cellar, which is open from 7am to 7pm, but memberships are available that offer access from 4am to midnight. The Bicycle Cellar has tools for minor repairs, air for tires and staff assistance available during the day. There are more than 100 bike racks available for rent, along with dressing areas, lockers, showers and restrooms. For more information, visit www.thebicyclecellar.com. 

Bicycle Advocacy Groups
Coalition for Arizona Bicyclists – www.cazbike.org
Mission: to promote efforts that improve bicycling usage and safety within the state of Arizona by addressing law enforcement and transportation engineering issues through education, outreach and advocacy programs thereby enhancing the role of bicycling in local, county and statewide transportation plans.

Tempe Bicycle Action Group – www.biketempe.org

Working to make bicycling a prominent, safe and convenient form of transportation and recreation in Tempe, Arizona and surrounding areas.

If you know of other groups, please email info@friendsoftransit.org so we may add them to the list.

Arizona Laws
Learn more about laws and policies on bicycling in Arizona from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) here.

Maps and Trails
There are many bike trails throughout the Valley and across the state. View a complete map of the Maricopa County area (courtesy of MAG) click here.

Some Valley cities have specific bike maps available for download:

Glendale

Mesa

Phoenix – bike maps are available for each park/preserve area

Tempe

Mountain bike trails (complete with reviews) can be found at www.mountainbikeaz.com.

View more maps on ADOT’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Program website.