Commuting

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​Bikes on CATS


CATS invites you to Rack and Ride with us!

With our bicycle racks, you can ride and bike to the nearest bus stop, light rail station or park and ride location. Each rack is located at the front of the bus and accommodates up to two bicycles. The racks are convenient, easy to use, and your bike rides free!

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  • Be prepared before the bus arrives.
  • You are responsible for the loading and unloading of your bicycle. For safety reasons, the driver cannot leave the bus to assist you.
  • Racks are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If the rack is full, you will need to wait for the next bus. Bikes are not allowed on the inside of CATS buses.
  • If you are unable to secure your bike, please do not delay the bus.
  • All bikes 16" or larger fit easily and securely on the rack, even children's bikes. All bikes load in exactly the same way, quickly and easily. No motorized bikes are allowed on the racks.
  • Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • CATS is not responsible for bicycles or personal items lost or damaged while in transit.


  • Have your bike ready as the bus approaches. Remember to remove water bottles, bicycle pumps or other items before loading.
  • Tell the bus operator you're going to use the bike rack. Then, quickly load your bike while other passengers are boarding.
  • Riders should approach the bike rack from the curbside. To lower the rack, simply squeeze the handle located in the center and pull toward you.
  • Then, lift your bicycle onto the rack fitting the wheels into one of the proper wheel slots. Each wheel slot is clearly labeled for the front wheel. If you are putting your bike in the first slot position nearest the bus, the handlebars should face the curb. A bike loaded in the second slot should have the handlebars facing away from the curb.
  • Then, pull the support arm straight out and place it over the front tire until it "hugs" the tire. Make sure the support arm is resting on the tire, not the fender or frame of the bike. Resting the support arm on your fender or frame could damage your bike.

Now you're ready to board!


  • When the bus approaches your stop, always tell the driver you will be removing your bike. Exit from the front door.
  • To release your bike, simply pull the support arm away from the wheel, drop it down and lift your bike from the wheel tray.
  • If you are the last person to unload your bike, please return the rack to its upright position.
  • Step toward the curb with your bike when moving away from the bus.


Interested in Bikeshare? Charlotte's got you covered.

Charlotte Joy Rides Charlotte Joy Rides logo

1. Purchase a membership online, at any station or on the Joy Rides App.

The system offers four types of memberships, including a Flash Pass (30-minute membership), Joy Pass (24-hour membership), month and annual memberships. Any membership or pass may be purchased online (credit/debit card required).

2. Choose a bike from any Joy Rides-station

If you do not have a Joy Rides-card and have not yet purchased a membership:

  • Press the 'Start' button on the kiosk.
  • Follow the instructions on the touch screen to purchase a Flash Pass or Joy Pass.
  • When prompted, select the dock number of the bike you wish to check out.
  • The kiosk will unlock the bike from the dock you chose. The dock holding the chosen bike will beep and show a green light until the bike is removed or for about 30 seconds.

If you do not have a Joy Rides-card, but already have purchased a membership:

  • Press the 'Start' button on the kiosk.
  • Select 'No' when asked if you would like to purchase a membership.
  • Follow the prompts on the touch screen. When prompted, swipe the same credit card you bought your membership with.
  • When prompted, select the dock number of the bike you wish to check out.
    The kiosk will unlock the bike from the dock you choose

 

3. Grab a bike and helmet and go! 

Follow these easy steps to ensure the Joy Rides is in working order, strap on your helmet, and go!

  • The TIRES should be hard and not bulging on the pavement. Examine them for any abrasions or bubbles.
  • Check that the WHEELS spin straight and freely without rubbing against the brake pads or any other parts.
  • Try shifting to all three GEARS to make sure the chain shifts smoothly.
  • Squeeze both BRAKES to make sure they are functioning properly.
  • Adjust the SEAT height and clamp it securely so that your leg almost fully extends when the pedal is down.
  • REMEMBER: Rides of less than 30 minutes for 24-hour passes and 60 minutes for memberships incur no usage fee. For each additional 30 minutes over the initial ride time, your card will be charged $4. Hint: To avoid usage fees, dock your bike within 30 minutes and check out another to keep going!

4. Return your bike to any station!

Return your bike to any Charlotte Joy Rides station by rolling it into an available dock.

Wait for three rapid blinks of the green light and three quick beeps. That is your signal that the bike has been securely returned.

 

 

Dockless Bike Share   ​​

​​​You may have seen multiple, seemingly-abandoned bikes around town, but not known what they're for. Charlotte welcomes dockless bike share companies to provide access to dockless bikes, but how do you use them?

1. Download The Company's App

Almost all of the dockless bike share programs use an app to check out bikes and they are typically free. You can sign up through entering your phone number and the registration process will include entering in payment information.

2. Use The App to Find and Unlock a Bike

The app will use GPS tracking of the bikes to find a bike closest to you. You can tap "start" or "unlock" on the app and then place the phone near the lock when prompted. Then, hop on once it's unlocked and enjoy the ride!

3. Lock and Leave
Based on Charlotte procedure, there are particular locations in which you can "park" your bike. Ensure that it's not impeding a walkway and that it's not in an unsafe location that could cause damage to cars or pedestrians. 

Most bikes require you to manually return the bike lock to its locked position. Check the app to ensure your trip has ended. You will be charge based on the time the bike was checked out. Pricing often ranges from $1 for 30 minutes to an hour.



Alternative Commuting

Alternative Commuting

Bus

Bus

Rail

Rail