Metra + bikes = confusion
by RL PolicarWhen the Metra’s new “Bikes on Trains” policy works, Bryn Martin’s life becomes a little easier.
He can bike from his home in Pilsen to Union Station downtown, hop aboard an outbound Milwaukee North Line to north suburban Round Lake, and bike to his summer job at the Baxter Foundation.
“I’m very happy they let me ride my bike,” said Martin, 25, as he carried his bike off the train on a recent Thursday. “If I didn’t, [the commute] wouldn’t be nearly as enjoyable.”
When it doesn’t work–like during the 11 days of Taste of Chicago, when bikes are banned from all Metra trains–Martin has to park his bike downtown, ride the train and take a shuttle to Baxter.
“Yeah, that kinda stinks,” he said.
