NATO: Bicycles banned on Metra

"Passengers traveling May 19-21 will be allowed to carry only one bag not larger than 15-by-15 inches and four inches deep. No boxes, luggage, backpacks, bikes, food or liquid will be allowed. There also will be a ban on coffee.

Riders also cannot carry any tools, pipes, stakes, wood, weapons, pocket knives and pepper spray on the trains. Banned items cannot be stored at the stations and must be removed or thrown out, Metra said."


http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Metra-Security-Plan-NATO-Summi...

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Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on May 14, 2012 at 12:29am

I'd agree with some of Howard's points.  I don't feel that the "charitable" part generally applies on the Rock Island.  I think it applies more on the UP lines - different operational culture.  In general, Metra offers a fine service.  On time performance varies by line - some are better than others.  I rarely have a problem with my bike being allowed on board (except blackout dates, of course).  In the years that Metra has allowed bikes, the Rock Island conductors have gotten more helpful to cyclists.  Some of them are extremely helpful.

My earlier boycott reference was specific to the NATO restrictions, not relevant to how Metra accommodates bikes in general.

h' said:

That, and I always get the sense that there's some amount of "profiling" going on in terms of how the conductors treat you (i.e. age, dress, gender, demeanor, whether you appear to be with a larger group, just out with your wife, etc.)  Most often my own personal experience is that the conductor has to make some sort of show so that I know I'm only being permitted to take my bike on because he's feeling charitable.  I've never been arbitrarily denied travel, but that may just be a function of the few times over the years I've taken a bike on Metra.

Back to Zeotrope's point-- overall, bike issues aside, I'd say Metra is by far the best run transit entity in Chicagoland, and it seems to approach European standards in terms of timeliness.

Thunder Snow said:

If you ride the same train fairly regularly, and get to know the conductors by chatting with them, you'll get much more leeway in everything, I've found.  Last week, the train doors slammed shut and the train got ready to leave my station just as I ran up to the top step of the platform.  I kept running, right up to the closed door and my man, George the Conductor, saw me and stalled the train a few more seconds, and reopened the doors long enough for me to pile in.  I've got no problems with Metra service.
 
James BlackHeron said:

Have you never been jacked-with by a conductor with an attitude towards bikes and a penchant for interpreting the "rules" in such a way as to more efficiently and thoroughly screwing with you, the bicyclist who dares bring his/her bike on HIS train?

Yeah, me too...

Duppie said:

Where do you get the idea that Metra offers crap service?



Permalink Reply by Will on May 14, 2012 at 1:13am

Being forced to commute on the Metra without coffee is a recipe for a riot.

What they're really doing is crippling free speech, and it's a violation of the First Amendmet, period.

Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on May 14, 2012 at 1:36am

The Free Speech Zone fenced-in corral for the NATO summit will be located on a small property in Gary Indiana and wrapped with barbed wire and surrounded by machine-gun turrets staffed by trigger-happy guards facilitators on loan from a Chinese prison. 

Reserve your "Free Speech" tickets for this event now!

Permalink Reply by Zoetrope on May 14, 2012 at 2:12am

Free speech is cool I guess but I am going for the complimentary Brawndo beverages that will be handed out to the first 500 "Free Speech Fanatics" at the Brawndo/Axe tent.  

      


James BlackHeron said:

The Free Speech Zone fenced-in corral for the NATO summit will be located on a small property in Gary Indiana and wrapped with barbed wire and surrounded by machine-gun turrets staffed by trigger-happy guards facilitators on loan from a Chinese prison. 

Reserve your "Free Speech" tickets for this event now!

Permalink Reply by Liz on May 14, 2012 at 2:41am

Metra conductors tend to be inconsistent.  Most are nice and accommodating, but since the conductors are based on rail line and not managed system wide, the conductors on the BNSF are not the same ones on the UP lines, etc.  I have found the weekday conductors to be more pleasant overall, maybe since its a nicer shift to work.  

I've had 1 time that I was flat out denied service out in Gurnee which really really sucked, but for the most time aside from the occasional attitude I've had no problems. 

Permalink Reply by Bike Bloke on May 14, 2012 at 12:45pm

Here's the obvious question about NATO summits: since they are all about defense and they require extremely high levels of security, why can't they be held on military bases? Just wheel in a bunch of Hurricane Katrina relief trailers and tents to accommodate the delegates, and it's 'job done'!

I bet they wouldn't dare try to hold one of these summits in New York City.

Permalink Reply by David Barish on May 15, 2012 at 9:09am

I agree with Anne.  I am not boycotting Metra. I just can't really use it. My bag is too big.  My question is whether I will encounter any problems locking a bike up at Clark/Washington during the festivities.  My building says its not a good idea but my building used to let me bring the thing inside. That is no longer allowed. Does anybody know?

Permalink Reply by Liz on May 15, 2012 at 10:00am

If I ride in on Friday, I'll probably park at the cycle center in the park, that way my bike will be indoors. 

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on May 16, 2012 at 10:12am

Cameron makes a good point about the potential for vandalism at Daley Plaza and nearby.  I know it's a little out of the way for your trip, but the bike station at Millennium Park might be your safest alternative.

David Barish said:

I agree with Anne.  I am not boycotting Metra. I just can't really use it. My bag is too big.  My question is whether I will encounter any problems locking a bike up at Clark/Washington during the festivities.  My building says its not a good idea but my building used to let me bring the thing inside. That is no longer allowed. Does anybody know?

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on May 17, 2012 at 1:47am

I've heard the following through the grapevine:


"conductor on the UP-NL just told me they were told that the NATO "safety measures" (and bike ban) would actually start TOMORROW, but that it would not be announced publicly (and that they weren't actually supposed to tell anyone). He said he wasn't sure if there really will be the plain-clothed FBI and CIA agents patrolling and enforcing the ban, but I thought I should share anyway.

Mr. Conductor says he doesn't know why Metra isn't announcing tomorrow's ban..."

I would hope that they would make some type of official announcement today if they intend to do this, otherwise there might be a few problems. 

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