Hornet Shuttle outfitted for bikes

In an effort to provide more services to students, the Hornet Express Shuttle Services has outfitted all five Hornet Express shuttles with bike racks.

Students can attach their bikes directly to the racks that are bolted to the front of the shuttles. The racks, painted bright yellow for safety purposes, provide added convenience to cyclists who may need a ride home via the shuttle or just want to bring their bikes to and from school with them.

Jeff Bingel, Hornet Express Shuttle coordinator, said he hopes the racks will encourage students to use alternative modes of transportation and has noticed an increase in their use.

'They weren't used a whole lot at first, but now they're being used on a regular basis," said Bingel. "We've been really happy with them."

While the shuttles can seat anywhere from 20 to 34 passengers, not including standing room, the racks only hold up to two bikes per shuttle. However, Bingel said they haven't had a problem with too many bikes and not enough room.

"So far we haven't had anyone complain to the point of not being able to get their bike on," said Bingel.

Attaching a bike usually takes 30 seconds, is fairly easy, and doesn't add to the total time it takes for a shuttle to make a run, Bingel said. Anyone having problems can ask the shuttle driver for assistance.

Shuttle services has not had any accidents or thefts with the bikes or racks. But, Bingel said, some students are concerned because they are not allowed to lock their bikes to the racks with their own locks.

"Some students want to lock their bikes, they're afraid they'll be stolen," said Bingel. "The bikes aren't going anywhere. The racks are patented, strong, safe and durable."

Shuttle services paid about $350 for each rack to Sports Works of Woodenville, Washington and had them installed at an additional fee by Para Transit, who maintains the Hornet Shuttles. In the future, new shuttles will automatically come with the racks attatched.

The shuttles are free to students with CSUS identification cards and regularly follow three different routes surrounding the campus, including La Riviera, Arden Mall and the Fulton Avenue area.

For students traveling to or from downtown, where the shuttles do not provide service, Regional Transit's light rail also offers free service to CSUS students with valid i.d. RT trains are also equipped with bike racks, but use is restricted during certain hours.

Bingel hopes in the future more shuttles can be purchased and a new route around campus implemented to pick up students who are parked in the outer lots. One shuttle has already been ordered but is expected to replace an older model for the routes outside campus.

Hornet Express shuttles that travel outside of campus run Monday through Friday between 6:50 a.m. and 5:20 p.m. One shuttle runs nightly on campus until 11 p.m.

Shuttle schedules and information can be obtained in the transportation office in Foley Hall, by calling 278-5483, or by checking out the shuttles, which also have maps and fliers on board. For more information about light rail, contact Sacramento Regional Transit.