All Metro buses are fitted with bike racks on buses providing you with options to bus to work and bike home, bike and bus in stages or get access to cycle tracks around the city. The bike racks are easy and free to use.
You can also learn how to put your bike on the bus without any pressure by using the practice bike rack at the Tuam Street end of the Bus Interchange.
Watch this video to see how to use the bike racks.
YouTubeUsing our bike racks is easy
When the bus arrives it takes just a few steps to get your bike on the racks.
Find out more about:
- Loading your bike
- Loading and unloading your bike at the Bus Interchange
- Bike rack FAQs
- Bike racks on route 28
- Electric bikes
Loading your bike
- Before the bus arrives remove any loose items from your bike that could fall off while the bus is moving.
- Squeeze the bike rack handle up to release and lower the rack.
- Lift your bike on to the rack with the front wheel facing the yellow support arm.
- Raise the support arm over the front tyre so the hook rests on the top of the wheel.
- The bike is now secure and you can board the bus.
Download a brochure on how to use a bike rack
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Squeeze/pull bike rack handle up to release and lower the rack.
Step 2: Lift bike onto the rack with front wheel facing towards the yellow support arm.
Step 3: Raise support arm over front tyre so the hook rests on the front wheel. The bike is now secure and you can board the bus.
Unloading your bike
- Let the driver know you will be unloading your bike when you exit via the front doors.
- Unhook and lower the support arm from the front tyre and lift your bike from the bike rack.
- If no one else is using the rack squeeze the handle and fold the bike rack up.
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Lower support arm
Step 2: Lift bike off the rack.
Step 3: Squeeze/pull bike rack handle up.
Loading and unloading your bike at the Bus Interchange
At the Bus Interchange, all bays have separate bike doors to access the bike racks in front of the bus so you are able to load and unload your bike under cover.
You can also learn how to put your bike on the bus without any pressure by using the practice bike rack at the Tuam Street end of the Bus Interchange.
Download a brochure on travelling with your bike through the Bus Interchange
Loading your bike
Step 1: Wait with your bike at the bike access door in the bay. After the bus arrives, the central passenger doors will open.
Step 2: Open the bike access door by pressing the black switch to the left of the door.
Step 3: Wheel your bike through the door and load your bike onto the rack.
Step 4: Board the bus. The bike access door will automatically close when the driver closes the passenger doors.
Unloading your bike
Step 1: Tell the driver you will be removing your bike from the bike rack. Exit the bus.
Step 2: Walk to the front of the bus and take your bike off the bike rack. If no one else is using the rack, fold the bike rack back up.
Bike rack frequently asked questions
Q: How many bikes can fit on the racks at a time?
A: All of our Metro buses can carry up to two bikes at the front. The maximum weight for each bike is 24kg.
Q: If the racks are full, can I take my bike inside the bus?
A: Unfortunately no. Due to safety requirements, bikes cannot be carried inside buses.
Q: What size wheels are the racks designed to carry?
A: Racks are designed to carry bikes with wheels larger than 16” diameter.
Q: Can I put my electric bike on the bus?
A: If you're travelling with an electric bike, it is recommended to take the battery off before loading it onto the bike racks.
Q: Can I take my fold up bike on the bus?
A: Fold up bikes are permitted inside the bus if they fit into the luggage space.
Q: When my bike is on the rack, am I covered for damage?
A: Yes. Your bike is transported and protected on Public Transport in Canterbury under Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017. That means if loss or damage occurs while being carried, you may be able to claim up to a maximum value of $2,000 from the carrier (Public Transport operator).
Q: Do you have secure bike storage in the CBD?
A: Yes. If you need a secure place to store your bike in the CBD, there is a free bike park in the Bus Interchange.
Q: Can I take my bike on a School service?
A: No. School buses are not able to carry bikes even if a bike rack is fitted.
For more information on cycling in Christchurch visit Christchurch City Council website.
Bike racks on route 28
Three tier bike rack on route 28
All of the route 28 buses are fitted with a three-tier bike rack. It works the same as the current bike racks. Find out how to load and unload your bike.
Internal bike rack trial on route 28
In addition to the three-tier bike rack, we are trialling the use of an internal bike rack on one route 28 vehicle. The internal bike rack can only be used through the Lyttelton tunnel.
On this trial bus, bike riders must use the three external bike racks at the front of the bus in the first instance. If there are 3 bikes on the rack, then a rider can take their bike inside the bus and place on the bike rack which is in the wheelchair space, provided this space is not occupied by passengers with wheelchairs, mobility aids, service animals, or parents with pushchairs.
Bus drivers may refuse a ride if they feel that the bus is full of passengers and taking the bike inside the bus could become a safety risk for other passengers.
Electric bikes
Electric bikes can be taken on Metro buses, as long as they do not weigh more than 24kg. However, before loading your bike please ensure that you take the battery off your bike before loading it onto the bike rack.