A few days ago, we looked at a new Long Island Press series that pointed out the futility of trying to get to work using only public transportation on Long Island. But it’s getting a little less futile.
Suffolk County has announced it will soon fit its Suffolk County Transit buses with bicycle racks so a commuter could take the bus as close as it will go to the office, and pedal the rest of the way.
But the county isn’t expecting a flood of cyclists looking to green up their commutes. Each bus will only hold two bikes.
Baby steps.
From the statement:
Over two-thirds of Suffolk County Transit buses will soon be fitted with bicycle racks making an easier commute for those who wish to use public transportation and coming from long distances. The racks, which hold two bikes per bus, are convenient and free to use for those cyclists who choose to do so; no permit required.
Suffolk County Transit currently employs 162 buses that travel all across Suffolk. While 107 of these buses will be outfitted with bike racks upon the completion of this initiative, several buses already carry the new racks.
“It may be too far for us to ride a bicycle to our destinations, with 162 buses in service across Suffolk, it is never far to a bus terminal,” Levy said. “Combining mass transit with cycling is a healthy, economical and environmentally friendly way to get where you need to go.”
