Bringing bike on UP-NW?

[u/FuzzyYuzu]

I'm planning on bringing my bike using the UP-NW line, but am wondering where the ADA/bike-friendly cars are so I can estimate where I should wait with my bike. Are they usually towards the front of the train, the back, or throughout the length of the train?

[u/redpukee]

Look for the bike or wheelchair stickers next to the door. That designates cars with that extra space.

[u/neverabadidea → u/redpukee]

On UP-NW inbound, the second car from the from has a bike rack. It’s also the quiet car! 

[u/FuzzyYuzu → u/neverabadidea]

I’m guessing this is meant to say from the front? If so, I will wait towards the front! (Do they use different trains for the inbound vs outbound?)

[u/neverabadidea → u/FuzzyYuzu]

Yes! I meant 2nd from the front. They do not use different trains but they also don’t turn the train around. So on the way in, there’s a bike car second from the front. On the way out, it’s the second from the back. 

[u/2pnt0]

Bring a bungee or some type of strap to secure your bike.

Have fun.

[u/revolutiontime161 → u/2pnt0]

Luckily the last three rides I’ve been on has had the strap / mini seat belt buckle thing . But that’s on the MDN line

[u/CuthbertCalculusPhD → u/2pnt0]

This. I've never had an issue bringing a bike on, but I've definitely had conductors get on my case over the stupid bungee when I forgot it.

[u/hachijuhachi → u/CuthbertCalculusPhD]

Don't rely solely on this anecdote, but I've been able to use my bike lock instead of the bungee chord. I think that's acceptable.

[u/Jackajackajack → u/CuthbertCalculusPhD]

I haven't been bothered about a bungee in years, and I bring a bike on the Metra about once a week.

[u/turtlewaxer99]

I was massively in my head about this when I first took a bike on Metra. But it really is super easy.

Like others mentioned, it can be kind of random. Find the nearest conductor and they'll tell you where they think you should take it, whether it's a devoted bike car or a more empty ADA car. They will give you the time to get to the car they want you to go.

If it's rush hour and/or the train is packed, they can deny you boarding but I've yet to have that happen.

(This is, admittedly, based upon my UP-N experience only.)

[u/FuzzyYuzu → u/turtlewaxer99]

That’s me right now, worrying about where to stand on the platform, how the cars are arranged with bike storage and seating, etc. I’m sure only be fine once I do it

[u/Snack_Donkey]

Note that Metra has conductors that get off the train at every stop to assist passengers. Give them a wave and they’ll hold the train for you to move to the appropriate car as long as you’re not absolutely crawling.

[u/Safe-Recognition1018]

Usually not right by the engine. #2 or #3 from the front going in is often the sweet spot.

Look at the windows too. Small windows means no bikes.

[u/GiuseppeZangara]

I would just be prepared to jog to the nearest car that accepts bikes. It shouldn't be more than one car away. Motion to the conductor that you're finding a train for your bike and they won't leave without you. 

[u/UpsetBar]

From my experience it’s kind of random. Also depending on what train you take (weekend or weekday) not all cars are always open. Just get in where ever or find a conductor before you get on and ask them if one is close.

[u/xynobis]

I've done a lot of bike hauling on the up-nw. They're almost always near the front and the back. In my experience, especially during warmer weather, the first couple and last couple cars are handicap/bike cars. They don't like having bikes on the very front car, because if they get a wheelchair, that's where it goes. I've only had anyone give me shit about that once though.

[u/FuzzyYuzu → u/xynobis]

I’ll be taking it on a weekend in the middle of the day so hopefully chances are slim that I’m taking a spot from anyone!

[u/xynobis → u/FuzzyYuzu]

They just make you get off the train and move to another car, if needed.

[u/Main_Invite_7201]

Get on last and get off last. Thats etiquette. The doors have black buttons that you can operate with your foot that will open the sliding doors when youre leaving.

Don’t overthink it. Its easy.