All Metro buses used on urban routes are fitted with bike racks on buses providing you with options to bus to work and bike home, bike and bus in stages or get access to cycle tracks around the city. The bike racks are easy and free to use.
Bus bike racks open for daytime usage
Following an exemption on the restrictions put in place in November 2024 by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), starting 16 April, bus bike racks will be back operating during the day on all buses, and 24 hours / 7 days a week on our Route 8 and Ferry services only.
The exact timings of daylight operations for bike racks will vary from month to month to maximise the time available to customers that take their bikes on the bus.
Please note your bike must weigh less than 25kg and have wheels larger than 16″ in diameter with a maximum tyre width of 3″.
For more information about this, please visit our news page.
| Month | Open times |
|---|---|
| April | 7:00am – 6:00pm |
| May | 7:30am – 5:30pm |
| June | 7:45am – 5:15pm |
| July | 7:45am – 5:30pm |
Bike rack frequently asked questions
Q: How come Route 8 is able to operate its racks full-time but no other route?
A: The operator of this route has a sufficient number of buses which do not require lighting improvement to operate the route. Due to Lyttelton tunnel (through which cycling is banned) being part of this route, we have prioritised the availability of these bike racks on this route.
Q: How many bikes can fit on the racks at a time?
A: All of our Metro buses can carry a minimum of two bikes at the front. The maximum weight for each bike is 25kg.
Q: If the racks are full, can I take my bike inside the bus?
A: Unfortunately, no. Due to safety requirements, bikes cannot be carried inside buses.
Q: What size wheels are the racks designed to carry?
A: Racks are designed to carry bikes with wheels larger than 16″ in diameter with a maximum tyre width of 3".
Q: Can I put my electric bike on the bus?
A: Electric bikes can be taken on Metro buses, as long as they do not weigh more than 25kg.
Q: When my bike is on the rack, am I covered for damage?
A: Yes. Your bike is transported and protected on Public Transport in Canterbury under Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017. That means if loss or damage occurs while being carried, you may be able to claim up to a maximum value of $2,000 from the carrier (Public Transport operator).
Q: Do you have bike storage in the CBD?
A: Yes. If you need a place to store your bike in the CBD, there is a free bike park in the Bus Interchange.
Q: Can I take my bike on a School service?
A: No. Buses contracted to operate dedicated school services are not fitted with bike racks. Occasionally, an urban bus with a bike rack may be used as a substitute bus for a school service, but this is an exception.
For more information on cycling in Christchurch visit the Christchurch City Council website.
Using our bike racks is easy
When the bus arrives, it takes just a few steps to get your bike on the racks.
You can also learn how to put your bike on the bus without any pressure by using the practice bike rack at the Tuam Street end of the Bus Interchange.
Watch this video to see how to use the bike racks.
Loading your bike
- Before the bus arrives remove any loose items from your bike that could fall off while the bus is moving.
- Squeeze the bike rack handle up to release and lower the rack.
- Lift your bike on to the rack with the front wheel facing the yellow support arm.
- Raise the support arm over the front tyre so the hook rests on the top of the wheel.
- The bike is now secure and you can board the bus.
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Squeeze/pull bike rack handle up to release and lower the rack.
Step 2: Lift bike onto the rack with front-wheel facing towards the yellow support arm.
Step 3: Raise the support arm over the front tyre so the hook rests on the front wheel. The bike is now secure and you can board the bus.
Photo credit to Eric Wang
Unloading your bike
- Let the driver know you will be unloading your bike when you exit via the front doors.
- Unhook and lower the support arm from the front tyre and lift your bike from the bike rack.
- If no one else is using the rack, squeeze the handle and fold the bike rack up.
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Lower support arm
Step 2: Lift bike off the rack.
Step 3: Squeeze/pull bike rack handle up.
Loading and unloading your bike at the Bus Interchange
At the Bus Interchange, all bays have separate bike doors to access the bike racks in front of the bus so you are able to load and unload your bike undercover.
You can also learn how to put your bike on the bus without any pressure by using the practice bike rack at the Tuam Street end of the Bus Interchange.