Longtail cargo bikes on Metra - is it possible?

This question is borne out of my other post regarding nutjobs riding mountain bikes from the city all the way out to Palos. I'd certainly like to try that ride both ways, riding all the way out and back as well as maybe giving Metra a try. I'm building an Xtracycle longtail cargo bike and it really does measure 7' from the front tire to the back. Now, I've never taken any kind of bike onto Metra but I have read their regulations regarding bikes. They do state "Standard bicycles not exceeding 70 inches in length will be permitted." Unfortunately, the Xtracycle measures out to 84". It looks from their photos like you could probably fit one on a diesel train with no problem, but the electric line might be more restricted. Additionally I'm not sure if there would be a problem maneuvering the bike onto the train even if the storage area is big enough accommodate the bike. Of course there's also the issue that a conductor would take issue and not allow me on, which would be acceptable enforcement of their regs. Also of issue is the potential that trying to bring a non-standard bike on would somehow reflect badly on other cyclists and potentially cause problems. I'm thinking taking the Xtracycle on Metra is probably a non-starter but maybe you folks know otherwise?

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Permalink Reply by rb on December 5, 2012 at 7:50am

i think that the conductor might have an issue, as I feel you would have a difficult time manouvering the bike from the door vestibule into the car itself due to the length.

I usually stow my bike on the side of the car up against the trash can and there is definitely enough room lengthwise for an xtracycle once in the car itself.

I am thinking that it would always be a coin toss whether the conductor would let you on or not. They have gotten a lot better over the past couple of years, but sometimes having a folder is the easiest route as they are always allowed on the trains.

Permalink Reply by Lanterne Rouge on December 5, 2012 at 7:54am

I agree that it's a conductor by conductor case. Most haven't said boo to me about anything, but I've had handful who have been absolute bears to deal with - as in, if you don't interlock multiple bikes on top of each other the right way, or bungee a certain way, they'll be on you like flies on shit.

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on December 5, 2012 at 7:58am

I wouldn't count on being able to physically get such a long bike up the stairs, around the corner in the vestibule and into the bike area.  And with Metra's stealth service cuts (fewer cars open on off-peak runs to save money), space is tighter than ever on many trains.

Permalink Reply by dan brown on December 5, 2012 at 8:39am

this is true. I got scolded once for not having a bungee cord...(forgot it) and quickly removed my belt and secured the bike correctly. the conducter gave me a really dirty look and grudgingly "allowed" this

non-standard approach. Maybe the fact that his beer-belly probably weighed as much as me had something to do with it ? (the train was not crowded at all, and he was just dying to figure out a

way to throw me off the train)

 

DB

Jim S said:

I agree that it's a conductor by conductor case. Most haven't said boo to me about anything, but I've had handful who have been absolute bears to deal with - as in, if you don't interlock multiple bikes on top of each other the right way, or bungee a certain way, they'll be on you like flies on shit.

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