bike hooks on the train

[soprano]

Is it possible for you to remove your gear and hang on to it instead of leaving it on the bike?

The gear I'm referring to is the front and rear racks, fenders, U-lock (bungeed to the rear rack) and sometimes my lunch box, which also gets bungeed to the rack. I had already removed my pannier (25 lbs of textbooks). I really wish that I could schlep around less stuff.

spokewench, it sounds to me like you are saying to pick up on the seatpost with my right hand (stronger hand) and steady the front wheel with the left hand, correct? So this way I could possibly balance the center of mass over my right hand, down low?

[spokewench]

The gear I'm referring to is the front and rear racks, fenders, U-lock (bungeed to the rear rack) and sometimes my lunch box, which also gets bungeed to the rack. I had already removed my pannier (25 lbs of textbooks). I really wish that I could schlep around less stuff.

spokewench, it sounds to me like you are saying to pick up on the seatpost with my right hand (stronger hand) and steady the front wheel with the left hand, correct? So this way I could possibly balance the center of mass over my right hand, down low?

Yes

[stephanie1129]

I also have this problem. I have to lift my bike up and forward to get it on the hooks on the light rail. My hybrid bike weighs a third of my body weight and I cannot lift it that high that quickly. Instead I have to stand with my bike, and if i try to sit while holding my bike the train conductor yells at me.

[shootingstar]

Thankfully we don't have that type of hanging bike system on local commuter/light rail trains in Greater Vancouver nor in Greater Toronto Area. Forget it. One just rolls the bike onto train car. General rule is only a bike at each end within each car. Of course, people squish on board..

Would never recommend that type of system for bikes on trains. Just fraught with enough problems..and hardly encourages multi-modal travel.

[malkin]

I've had quite a bit of success asking for help.

[PamNY]

I've had quite a bit of success asking for help.

I do that when taking heavy luggage on the train. I call it the Blanche DuBois method -- depending on the kindness of strangers.