No, this is not a highway map for cars, but rather a bikeway map for... BIKES!
A task force of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) has been working on the project for four years. The association's approval of the plan in October means that states can collaborate with local agencies and neighboring states to begin establishing these routes.
To read more, check out BikingBis or Adventure Cycling
What the Blue Line looks like now:
What the Blue Line could look like in the coming months:
Metro Rail Operations is planning the removal of nearly 1,100 seats on all Metro Rail vehicles to accommodate the needs of bicyclists, luggage holders, persons in wheelchairs and others with increased space demands as part of a pilot project. A breakdown of seat removal plan is as follows:
• Red/Purple Lines
– Removal of 2 Additional Seats per Car
– 24 Total Seats Removed Per 6 Car Train
– 416 Seats Removed From Fleet
• Blue Line
– Removal of 5 Passenger Seats per Car (2 Rows)
– 15 Total Seats Removed Per 3 Car Train
– 345 Seats Removed From Fleet
• Green Line
– Removal of 4 Passenger Seats per Car (2 Rows)
– 8 Total Seats Removed Per 2 Car Train
– 112 Seats Removed From Green Line
• Gold Line
– Removal of 4 Passenger Seats per Car (2 Rows)
– 8 Total Seats Removed Per 2 Car Train
– 96 Seats Removed From Gold Line
• New Vehicle Fleet of 50 For Various Lines
– 8 Total Seats Removed Per 2 Car Train
– 100 Seats Removed From Green Line
It should be noted that this area would not just be for bicycles, but an area for all requirements (luggage, strollers, wheelchairs, etc.).
Seat removal is expected to be initiated within 30-60 days barring any unforeseen developments.
The Long Beach Cyclists would like to thank Mr. Dave Sotero and Metro for taking this historic experiment towards better service for all.
