Bikes / Bicycles on the DC Circulator

Although no information is provided on the official DC Circulator website, all Circulator buses are equipped with heavy-duty bike racks attached to the front of each bus. There is no fee for bringing a bike on a DC Circulator bus. Unlike the Washington DC Metro, bikes are allowed on buses even during rush hours. You are responsible for loading, securing and removing your bicycle from the rack.

Each rack holds up to two bikes. Let the bus driver know that you will be using the rack, then follow the instructions posted on the front of the rack.

The racks have a locking mechanism to prevent bikes from coming loose. Also, for safety reasons, the buses have special mirrors that allow bus drivers to see the racks and the bus passengers loading the bikes.

Using the Bicycle Rack on the DC Circulator

Make sure the DC Circulator bus has stopped and the bus driver sees you before you step in front of the bus.

Squeeze the top handle and swing the rack down. You only need to use one hand to unlatch and pull the rack down, so you can hold your bike with your other hand. It is not necessary to lean your bike against the bus.

Lift your bike onto the rack, placing its wheels in the trough with the front wheel toward the spring-loaded bar. If a bicycle is already in the front trough, load yours in the rear trough facing the opposite direction.

Raise the spring-loaded bar up and over the front tire and place it on the top of the tire near the bike's frame. The support arm adds lateral support for the bike when the bus is in motion, and is required. The support arm needs to be raised so that the hook rests at the highest point on the front wheel.

Remove any loose or valuable items from the bike. Board the DC Circulator bus.

As you get close to your bus stop, remind the bus driver that you will be removing your bike.

Lower the spring-loaded bar from the tire and lift your bicycle off the rack. Swing the rack up if it's empty.

Go to the nearest curb. Wave to let the bus driver know that you and your bicycle are clear of the bus.

Related Information

		Metro The metropolitan subway system of Washington DC.
		Metrobus Bus complementing the service provided by Metro.
		Metro Pocket Guide Essential information for Metro riders.
		Metro Map Printable version of the Metro map.
		DC Circulator Bus connecting areas that are not accessible by Metro.