.Environment Canterbury and bus companies, Leopard Coachlines and Christchurch Bus Services are undertaking a six month trial to assess the usefulness of cycle racks fitted to buses. The trial period is from Monday 12 November 2007 to 11 May 2008.

This trial now been extended to November 2008.

From Monday 12 November, people using the Heathcote bus service, number 35, will be able to carry their bicycles on buses through the Lytellton tunnel. The bike racks are fitted to all the buses on this route.

In addition, the following bio-diesel powered buses have bike racks fitted and these run at specific times. Please follow the links to find out when these buses will be running:

• No 21 - Ilam-Mount Pleasant
• No 13 Redwood-Hoon Hay
• No 90 Rangiora Direct
• No 92 Rangiora via Woodend and Waikuku
• No 912 Rangiora – Kaiapoi via Woodend
• No 913 Rangiora - Kaiapoi via Waikuku

Each bus will have two bike-carrying racks on the front.

The responsibility for loading and unloading the bicycles is the cylclist’s.

Cyclists will not be able to carry their bikes all the way into the Bus Exchange or load there and will have to remove or load their bike at one stop before or after the Bus Exchange.

If more than two cyclists are waiting for the bus, it will be a case of first in first served.

The bike racks are a Sportsworks Veloporter 2 rack and can be used by bikes with wheels larger than 16” diameter. The maximum insured value of any cycle mounted on the cycle rack is $1500.

Read more about how to load and unload your bike.

Download the brochure.

Feedback for the Bikes on Buses trail period can be found at the following website:

• Spokes - Canterbury Cyclists' Association: Bikes on Buses Feedback