WATCH: No kids’ bikes on Montreal buses
MONTREAL — “Some bus drivers say I can’t get my bicycle on the bus,” three-year-old Isaac Karara told Global News.
Karara rides his mini-bike to his daycare every morning. He and his mom first take a bus, and then he bikes, while she walks alongside him, the rest of the way.
In order to get more exercise and enjoy a healthier lifestyle, the two are trying to avoid having to take a second bus to get Isaac to school, but they’re being told his bike is not allowed onboard the first bus they need to take.
“It is a little frustrating because we really enjoy public transit, and we’d like to rely just on that and our own legs.”
“However it’s kind of making that impossible right now, and we’re having to work around it,” said Isaac’s mother Leah Capitano.
“I hope we don’t have to buy a car because of this.”
The two have been turned away a couple of times because it has been a longstanding policy of Montreal’s transit authority (STM) that bikes are simply not allowed on city buses.
The STM failed to return any of Global’s calls, but did answer one of our emails, stating:
“It’s not a question of size. Bikes, even small ones, are prohibited, because they could potentially injure someone, should the bus suddenly stop.
“Bikes could also disrupt the circulation of people aboard the bus.”
“This is a question of security and fluidity.”
While Capitano understands the importance of being able to travel safety, she said she often sees other passengers transporting much larger things, such as suitcases and strollers.
“One day, we saw a suitcase that could easily fit two of my sons’ bicycles,” said Capitano.
“So I’m understanding if it’s an issue of space or safety, but, regardless, I see other objects on the bus that could pose a bigger problem.”
The head of Montreal’s bike advocacy organizations agrees.
“I think it’s kind of a blind enforcement, it’s sad to see that,” said Suzanne Lareau, president of Vélo Québec.
Lareau said she agrees the rigid rule makes no sense in Isaac’s case, and believes it’s a shame, because she thinks it’s great that kids are starting to bike at a young age.
“In the last 30 years, the number of kids who use a bike or walk to go to school is decreasing, and it’s very scary,” said Lareau.
“We have problems with kids, overweight, Type 2 diabetes.”
“We have to do everything we can to encourage them to walk and cycle to school.”
Capitano stressed she has nothing against the STM itself or its bus drivers.
“They’ve been very friendly, and for the most part, they will allow exceptions here and there,” she said.
“I’m just hoping that perhaps the STM could have a review of their policies.”
Her son agrees:
“I really love my bicycle, and I hope I can bring it on the bus.”
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