When you combine riding transit with cycling you can travel further and reach more destinations in a single trip. With bike racks available on all GMT buses, you can transport your bike almost anywhere, including work, special events, parks, and your favorite bike paths for no additional cost. Best of all, by riding transit, you save money, help reduce pollution, and ease traffic congestion.
Bike racks are available, for free, on a first-come, first-served basis and fit a maximum of two bikes.
Using GMT Bike Racks
Waiting to Board
As the bus approaches, have your bike ready to load, and remove any items that could fall off or block others from using the rack (water bottle, helmet, panniers, etc) before stepping in front of the bus. Approach the door from the curbside and tell the driver you are loading a bike.
Loading Your Bike
If the bike rack is folded up, squeeze the handle on the top of the rack and lower it gently.
Lift your bike onto the rack, putting the front and rear wheels in the marked slots. Load the rack nearest the bus first.
Pull the support arm and secure it to the front wheel as close to the frame of the bike as possible. If you have fenders or a front rack, secure the support arm as close to it as possible while ensuring the support arm is fully seated on the tire.
Confirm that your bike is secured before boarding the bus.
Please note that all bikes must be loaded and unloaded by the passengers, GMT Drivers are not able to assist with loading and unloading bikes.
Unloading Your Bike
As you approach your destination, tell the bus driver you need to unload your bike.
Pull the support arm up to release the clamp and gently fold the arm to its starting position before lifting out your bike.
If the bike rack is empty, please fold it up by squeezing the handle and pushing it into its resting position.
Please note that all bikes must be loaded and unloaded by the passengers, GMT Drivers are not able to assist with loading and unloading bikes.
Types of Bikes on Buses
Only conventional, single-seat, 2-wheeled bikes are allowed on bike racks. Both wheels must fit into the wheel slots, and the support clamp must fit over the top of the bike wheel. Children’s balance bikes may be brought on board, provided they are kept out of the aisle. Folding scooters and bikes are also allowed on board if they are folded before boarding.
GMT would like to welcome e-bikes, however, in many cases, e-bikes exceed the weight limit of 55 lbs. Loading a bike that is heavier than the rack weight limit may result in damage to your e-bike, or the bus, or cause the rack to fail.
Size and Weight Limits
| Max Wheel Size | 16” to 29” Diameter |
| Max Tire Width | 2.35″ |
| Max Wheel Base | 44″ |
| Max Weight | 55 lbs. per bike, including accessories |
Other Restrictions
No tandem, recumbent, cargo, 3-wheeled, fat tire, children’s, or other non-traditional wheeled devices are allowed on bike racks or onboard the bus. This includes e-scooters which cannot be folded to fit onboard the bus.
No gas-powered bikes or scooters are allowed on bike racks or onboard buses.
No Bird bike share bikes are allowed on bike racks as they exceed the maximum weight requirement.
Find a Practice Rack
A permanent practice rack is installed at Local Motion at 1 Steele Street #103 in Burlington for people to test out. If you see a bus at a community event, you can also ask the driver if you can test the rack.
Bike Rack FAQs
Will my bike fit on the rack?
GMT bike racks fit standard adult bikes. Read the Size and Weight Limits section to see if yours will fit.
Can the bus driver assist me in loading my bike on the rack?
Due to safety concerns, the driver cannot leave the bus to assist with loading bikes. If you’re unsure how to load your bike you can ask the driver to talk you through the process. If you would like to test the rack before your first ride, a practice rack is located at Local Motion at 1 Steele St #103 in Burlington with instructions on how to use it.
Can I load my Bird bike share bike on the rack?
No, e-assist Bird bike share bikes exceed the rack’s weight limit of 55 lbs per rack position.
Can I use the bike rack if I have a front basket or rack?
The clamp must be able to sit over the top of the wheel for your bike to be secured properly. If your basket or rack would prevent that, you cannot use the rack.
Some racks look different – is there anything different about loading my bike?
We have different models of racks, but they all work similarly. Look for the label showing which direction to face your front wheel—toward the curb or the street. Then set your bike in the slot and pull the support clamp over the top of the wheel as close to the frame as possible. Always check to make sure your bike is secure before boarding the bus.
Why should I load my bike into the inner slot first?
It is more difficult to load a bike when the outer slot is full, so as a courtesy to fellow riders, we ask that you load the inner slot first.
How do I load my bike in the inner slot?
Stand on the curb with your front wheel facing the curb. Lift your bike and roll the back wheel into the track. Release the support clamp and extend it to fit over the front wheel as far up as possible. Always make sure your bike is secure before boarding the bus.
What should I do if the rack is full?
If the bike rack is full, or a bike rack is unavailable for you to leave your bike, you may have to wait for the next bus. Bikes are not allowed inside the bus unless they are children’s balance bikes or folding bikes. Per GMT policy, all items on the vehicle must be stowed out of the aisle for the safety of everyone on board.
Whenever possible, GMT tries to include a bike rack at our shelter locations. If you would like to suggest a bike rack location, please email info@ridegmt.com.
I’m nervous – what if I delay the bus when I’m first learning how to use the rack?
While you are loading your bike, other passengers are likely boarding or disembarking the bus. Most of the time you’ll be getting on right after them. If you would like to test the rack before your first ride, there is a practice rack at Local Motion at 1 Steele Street #103 in Burlington with instructions on how to use it.
I left my bike on the rack by mistake. How can I get it back?
Please contact Lost & Found at 802-864-2282 if you’ve left your bike or any other items on board the bus. As a general reminder, GMT is not responsible for lost or stolen items.