I know that MARC participated in some crash tests at the Transportation Test Center at Pueblo, CO. They sent (or authorized the purchase) of a bicycle that was placed in the crash-car. I have a memory of seeing the video of how the bicycle reacted in the crash. Passenger capacity is certainly an issue, and for the foreseeable future. I know that on the West Coast (San Jose to San Francisco), they have removed seats in the front (cab) to allow for bicycle storage. Mr. Kay is correct on this one. Current safety standards would almost would require a separate compartment, strong enough to resist the bicycles flying around, up to 8g's in the fore-and-aft direction, and 4 g's in the side-to-side and vertical directions.

Years ago, we were also tested the idea of using the wheel-chair hold down devices with bicycles, but the results were mixed, at best, and there were only a few of those devices per train, with the wheel chairs taking priority.

Why not include bike facilities on non-rush hour trains? It seems pretty easy to have a bike access car that runs midday (say, from 10 to 3) and evening (7-10) so bikers working flex-time positions can get between the two cities. The train could even charge a small premium (say, $3) for bikes, which will help make up for any associated costs.

Also, if the MTA ever gets around to offering weekend service, there would be plenty of bikers interested in trying out new trails in D.C., and Baltimore.

It seems easy until you consider that the cars would have to be bought and altered for the purpose. Then those cars have to be stored were they can easily be switched in and out of the consist. Just to have a part-time car. If they had the money and the space, I suppose they would add passenger capacity first. If bikers were doing this regularly, could they keep a bike in a locker at end? I realize that increases the cost but you were willing to spend about $600 a year premium.

I would love to have seven-day service but since weekends are the maintenance and inspection window, more equipment would be needed to cover those two days.

Any chance that bikes could be attached to the side of the trains on the outside, or too dangerous?

Michael, the last piece didn't raise the question of why MTA doesn't have bicycles on Marc trains. The reason for that is obvious: MTA can barely manage the unencumbered human traffic it has the last thing it wants is to encourage new business.

The question is when will MTA shake off these self limiting and self defeating shackles of negative thinking.

When "taking the train" stops being (primarily) the lifestyle choice and commitment of the core ridership that it currently is and expands capacity and car space such that the choice to put your day in the hands of Marc can truly be done... including fixtures and space for bicycles... then perhaps Marc can realize it's potential to be what it was intended to be.

MARC puts forward good reasons but they are, ultimately, irrelevant. The State passed a law, which mandates that MARC allow bikes on trains. The only latitude I see is how many, where, or what times (e.g. outside rush hours). If MARC does not think that the law is workable, they should go back to the legislature and ask to get a new law made. This would be a lot cheaper for MD than having to have this decided by the courts, in which the real winners would be lawyers. This case is ripe for a lawsuit....all we need is some lawyer to bike up to Camden yards at mid-day and ask for a ticket to Washington DC.

Why is MARC inventing artificial requirements for themselves insisting that bikes must go in a separate compartment with new hardware?

SEPTA, MBTA, NJ Transit (and others, I'm sure) all allow bikes on non-peak trains. All of these systems have much higher ridership, more complicated services, and more diverse hardware, yet they are all able to make a pro-bike policy work. MARC is simply being stubborn.

SJE, I think you're missing the point: MARC does allow bikes on trains -- they just have to be the compact, foldable ones. I see these all the time on the trains.

I love MARC's service (despite the constant complaining by riders over every little thing -- probably the same people who complain they can't get their blankey on airplanes). I can appreciate the difficulty they have in accommodating everyone all the time, including cyclists -- I'm married to an avid one -- but I think they're making the right call on this.

Lisa: my point is that the legislature passed, and the governor signed, a law that applies to all bicycles. The law gives great latitude to MARC on matters of how many, when, price etc, but does not permit them to exclude regular bikes. If they do not like it, get the law changed.

Independently, I also disagree that this is good policy. I moved from Baltimore, a city I love, in part because getting to my new job in DC was such a hassle. Getting to and from MARC, and too and from Union station, would only be reasonable if I could use a bike. Instead, I had to move to Mont. Co.

Lisa: my point is that the legislature passed, and the governor signed, a law that applies to all bicycles. The law gives great latitude to MARC on matters of how many, when, price etc, but does not permit them to exclude regular bikes. If they do not like it, get the law changed.

Independently, I also disagree that this is good policy. I moved from Baltimore, a city I love, in part because getting to my new job in DC was such a hassle. Getting to and from MARC, and too and from Union station, would only be reasonable if I could use a bike. Instead, I had to move to Mont. Co.

A great idea would be to allow the fold-up seats used for handicap riders as storage room for bikes on some designated cars. I walk from my house to the Marc station to avoid driving at all costs; however, I wouldn't minding reducing my travel time and increasing cardio with a bike.

Unfortunately some of us do not want to invest in a gimmicky fold-up bike. The wheels are small and would not be a great comfort on a 5-10 mile ride from the destination station to place of employment.

A "commuter revolt"? Exactly what form would this "revolt" take?

Just allow bikes like every other agency. And get more cars if there's a "capacity" issue.

Sheesh, a bunch of whiners.

The model was tested, it worked, and they still ban bikes? What a waste of taxpayer money.