How to Bike and Transit in Tucson

Combining biking with public transit is a great way to get around Tucson efficiently, especially if you’re commuting long distances or want a break from the heat. This guide will walk you through how to take your bike on Sun Tran buses, Sun Shuttle, and the Sun Link streetcar while sharing some local tips to make the process even smoother.

Jason learns how to load his bike onto the front racks of a Sun Tran bus at Cyclovia.

Bringing Your Bike on Sun Tran Buses

Every Sun Tran bus and Sun Shuttle has a front-mounted bike rack that can hold two or three bikes. If the rack is full, you’ll need to wait for the next bus or find an alternative route. You could also consider getting a folding bike or seeing if your trip pairs with Tugo Bike Share or Spin Scooters.

Loading Your Bike onto the Bus:

    1. Signal the Driver: As the bus approaches, make eye contact with the driver to indicate that you’ll be using the bike rack.
    2. Lower the Rack: Pull the handle to unfold the bike rack if it’s not already down.
    3. Place Your Bike: Lift your bike and set it into an empty wheel slot. If there’s already a bike on the rack, place yours facing the opposite direction.
    4. Secure Your Bike: Raise the tire hook over the front wheel to keep the bike stable.
    5. Remove Accessories: Take off any bags, water bottles, or lights before boarding the bus.

Unloading Your Bike:

    1. Remind the Driver: As the bus approaches your stop, let the driver know you’ll be removing your bike and exit from the front doors.
    2. Remove the Tire Hook: Lift the securing arm off the front tire.
    3. Take Your Bike Off the Rack: Move it towards the curb, away from traffic.
    4. Fold the Rack (if Empty): If no other bikes remain, fold up the rack.
    5. Step Back & Signal: Make sure you're clear before the bus leaves.

Bringing Your Bike on the Sun Link Streetcar

Unlike Sun Tran buses, the Sun Link streetcar allows bikes inside rather than on an external rack. This makes it a great option for cyclists commuting between The Mercado, downtown, 4th Avenue, and the University of Arizona.

How to Board with Your Bike:

    1. Dismount and Enter: Walk your bike into the streetcar through the main doors.
    2. Find the Bike Area: Look for the designated bike space, typically near the middle of the streetcar.
    3. Use the Bike Rack (if Available): Some streetcars have interior racks where you can secure your bike. If no rack is open, stand with your bike while holding onto it.
    4. Be Mindful of Passengers: Avoid blocking doors and leave space for other riders.

Local Tips for a Smooth Ride

    • Plan for Full Racks: If a bike rack is full, consider waiting for the next bus or using an alternate Sun Tran route. If your bus' rack is often full by the time it gets to you consider a folding bike or seeing if Tugo Bike Share or Spin Scooters works for your multimodal journey.
    • Secure Your Bike at Stops: While we wouldn't advise it, If you’re leaving your bike at a Sun Tran station or stop, use a high-quality U-lock to prevent theft and cable lock to secure the wheels. Remove any accessories and would be easy to steal (bags, lights, etc). The City of Tucson also has a limited number of bike lockers available for long-term rental downtown. The University of Arizona also has enclosures and lockers for students and staff.
    • Practice First: If you're new to using the bus bike racks, try a trip starting at a transit center which will give you extra time and none of the pressure of doing it along the route. Sun Tran can also be found at Cyclovia with one of their buses for you to learn to use and even compete with other commuters for the fastest time.
    • Start Thinking Multimodal: Get to know different bus and bike routes and start to think about how you can combine them. The Transit App is one of the best tools for planning multimodal trips, factoring in bike routes, transit schedules plus real-time data, and other car-free options.
    • Learn More: If you need more advice on how to bike and transit in Tucson check out Sun Tran's official guide or message us on Instagram. We'd be happy to answer your question and update this guide!
Sun Tran bike & ride guide found on board the Sun Link streetcar.

By combining biking with public transit, you can cover more ground while staying car-free. Give it a try and enjoy a more flexible way to get around Tucson!