Bike racks on Des Moines buses

By Yokota Fritz


Just in time for the Iowa winter, the Des Moines Metropolitan Transit Authority has bike carriers on its buses to expand transportation choices for Des Moines commuters.

October — right at the end of cycling season — seems like an odd time to unveil citywide bicycle racks on buses. But biking advocates hope cyclists notice the racks throughout the winter, planting the seed in their minds to use them come spring.

Especially with energy efficiency on people's minds more now than ever. "People are tired of $3-a-gallon gas prices," said Scott Sumpter, who runs bikeiowa.com, a Web forum for Iowa cyclists. "Now they figure, hey, I can try something different other than driving to work."

More resources:

• Photos of the new bike racks in operation.
  
• Des Moines MTA Bike & Ride information, including a how-to video.
  
• Des Moines Metropolitan Transit Agency website includes route information.