VCTC | Biking

Most Southern California transit operators offer special on-board storage compartments for bicycles as well as bike racks and locking facilities at stops and stations. Click the logo to learn how your transit agency handles bike and e-bikes.

VCTC buses are equipped to carry both e-bikes and regular bikes, using a front-mounted rack or the undercarriage luggage compartment.

Where your bike goes

• Front rack: bikes with 3” tires or less. Please use these first.
• Undercarriage compartment: when the racks are full. Space is limited, so be prepared to lock your bike at the stop if both are full.

Loading your bike

1. Tell the driver you have a bike when you board, and remind them when you exit if it’s on the front rack.
2. For the undercarriage compartment, ask the operator to open and close the door. They handle the door but cannot help lift the bike in or out.
3. Place the rear tire in first, chain facing up, to avoid damage.

E-bikes

• Allowed with sealed lithium-ion batteries, in either the front rack or the compartment. Remove the battery before storing it, and have the operator verify.

Good to know

• VCTC is not responsible for theft of or damage to your bike or belongings.
• Left a bike behind? Unclaimed bikes go to Lost & Found for up to 30 days. Call 800.438.1112.

E-bikes follow the same rules of the road as human-powered bikes, such as riding on the right side of the road, stopping at red lights, and signaling turns.

Class 1 & 2 e-bikes are allowed on all Ventura County bike paths, including shared-use trails. California Vehicle Code classifies e-bikes into categories according to speed and pedal or throttle-assistance type.

E-bike Classes

Shared-use trails include the Ventura–Ojai Trail, Arroyo Simi Greenway Route, Santa Paula Branch Line Route, and Thousand Oaks Route.

E-Bikes vs. E-Motos: Watch out for devices that do not fall into one of the three legal classes of e-bikes. E-bike laws are changing rapidly. Check your town’s municipal code and stay up to date with the California Vehicle Code, which governs e-bikes. Signs of devices that are not legal e-bikes include not having operating pedals or having speeds that exceed 28 mph.

Many local transit operators allow e-bikes onboard buses and trains but have certain rules. Click the logo to learn how each transit agency handles e-bikes.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov) provides valuable information about bicycle safety for both children and adults. The NHTSA has identified several keys to operating a bicycle safely, including:

• Wear a helmet.
• Be predictable.
• Share the road.
• Ride a bike that fits you.
• Be visible.
• Stay focused and alert.
• Follow the rules of the road.
• Plan your route.

Visit Cycle California Coast to find out about great rides along the coast of Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.  Detailed route information and tips from local riders will help you enjoy a great cycling destination.

Register your bike with Bike Index to increase the odds of recovering your bike in the event of theft. You may also be able to register with your city or the police department.