No more bumps! Learn more about the advocacy of Bikes ONBoard here.
Major improvements to modernize Caltrain are just a few years away. If current trends are any indication, there will be a record number of people biking in San Francisco by the time the electrification is slated for completion in 2019. The electrification project would significantly improve the capacity and reliability of the commute along the Peninsula corridor. As we continue to see bicycles “bumped” off Caltrain due to limited onboard bike capacity, this is a critical time to speak up for the future of Caltrain. Right now, Caltrain is drafting the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for this project and will be open to public comment until April 29, when they will submit the final report for review. Our biggest concern? Caltrain’s draft EIR does not consider any improvements for increasing onboard bike capacity or improving access on trains. Please take a moment to write a letter today and let them know why this is an issue.
To: electrification@caltrain.com
CC: bikesonboard@sfbike.org, janice@sfbike.org
Subject: Peninsula Corridor Electrification Project
Here are some talking points to get you started:
- Thank Caltrain for continuing to allow bikes onboard in the new, electrified trains.
- Express disappointment and concern that they are not considering increased onboard bicycle capacity, especially when it would increase ridership.
- Urge Caltrain to evaluate the impact of increased onboard bike capacity because projections show that over 20% of passengers would bring a bike onboard by 2019.
Make sure to include your city of residence, and feel free to emphasize the importance of being able to complete that first and last mile to Caltrain on your bike. Lastly, if you are looking to take a lead on bicycle-related issues, now is a great time to join Caltrain’s Bicycle Advisory Committee. The committee meets every other month and advises on issues such as bicycle capacity, access and parking. There is a current opening for the San Francisco seat, which you can apply for here.