Cycling and transit

With the coming of the O-Train Confederation Line, Ottawa will be transformed into a more connected place to work, live and play. Part of this transformation will involve re-examining our habits and assumptions about how we move around our city. As Ottawa’s transportation network becomes more advanced, the best way to get around will increasingly involve using a combination of transportation methods.

Cycling is already a healthy, environmentally friendly and flexible option for short-to-medium distance trips. Soon you’ll be able to combine your bike with light rail to get those same benefits for long-distance trips as well!

Bike parking will be provided at or near the transit stations on the new Confederation Line. All stations will be connected to or located close to multi-use pathways. Signs and maps at each O-Train station will direct you to nearby paths.

Bikes are welcome onboard, just bring your bike on the train! Bike channels will let you easily walk your bike up and down the stairs at multi-level stations. A bicycle area will be located in the first car of every train, as part of the Cooperative Seating area. Some bus stations will also feature sheltered parking spots to protect your bike against the elements.

These features, combined with existing systems like Rack & Roll on the bus network, and bicycle repair stations at some bus stations, make it easier than ever before to get you and your bike where you need to be.

If you’re already a cyclist, consider using light rail to open up new parts of your city. You can get all the details about using the new Confederation Line at OCTranspo.com/ready4rail.

It's easy to make public transit part of your cycle commute with OC Transpo.

Rack and Roll

OC Transpo’s Rack and Roll service lets you take your bike with you on the bus. 

• More than 600 buses are equipped with a bike rack, including all those on routes 12, 61, 62, 85, 88, 91, 94, 95, 97, 98, 99, 101 & 106.            
• Bikes can also be transported year-round on the O-Train Trillium Line.

Bus racks are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If the rack is full, please wait for the next bus. There's no cost to use the rack, just your usual transit fare.

Rack & Roll racks are available on buses from mid-April to October 31. However, bicycles can be brought on the O-Train year-round. Groups can request a Rack and Roll bus to come to your school, workplace or meeting. Contact OC Transpo at 613-741-4390 to book a demonstration.

Loading

• Before the bus arrives, get your bike ready for loading.
• Remove any loose items such as water bottles.
• Indicate to the operator that you will be loading your bicycle.
• If the rack is closed, hold onto your bike with one hand and use your other hand to squeeze the handle up to release the latch, then lower the rack.
• Lift your bike onto the rack and place the wheels in the wheel wells.
• Raise the support arm over your front tire as high as it will go, but not over the frame or fender.

Unloading

• Before you reach your stop, tell the operator you will be unloading your bike, then exit by the front door.
• Raise the support arm off the tire.
• Lift your bike from the rack.
• If the rack is empty, fold up the rack until it locks in place before you step away from the bus.
• Step away from the bus and signal to the operator that you are clear of the bus.

Bring your bike on the O-Train

Bicycles are permitted in the first car of every train, in the shared Cooperative Seating section. When boarding trains with your bicycle, you will wait in the green marked area on the platform, and then board by the first door at the front of the train.

All stations have been designed with cycling connections and bicycle parking. Within stations, signage will direct you to nearby multi-use pathways, and bike “runnels” will let you easily walk your bike up and down the stairs.

Bike and Ride

OC Transpo's Bike and Ride program allows you to combine the speed of the Transitway with the health and environmental benefits of cycling. Bicycle racks have been installed at O-Train stations and most Transitway stations. Most of these stations are accessible by mixed-use pathways or local streets and provide rapid transit service to downtown and across the city.