Ottawa has a vast network of multi-use pathways for cycling, running, and walking. Most stations connect directly to a pathway. Other O-Train stations are a short walk from a path or trail, with signs and maps at each station to guide you.
- Use the City of Ottawa's cycling map and tools to plan the cycling part of your route.
- Use the Travel Planner to plan the transit part of your route.
- Quick and convenient cycling routes connect you to Park & Ride lots across Ottawa.
Gas-powered bikes are not allowed on OC Transpo vehicles.
Plan your trip with bike to transitCombine cycling with public transit for a seamless journey! Use our Travel Planner to find the best bike-and-ride options for your trip.
In the Travel Planner, select Bike to transit under service options to see bike routes to transit stations or stops. Choose to see bus routes, train routes, or both.
Bikes on buses
Rack & Roll program
- All OC Transpo buses are equipped with a bike rack year round. These let you take your bike with you when you ride.
- Bike racks can't hold fat tire bikes. They can only secure bikes with tires up to 2.3 inches wide. The maximum weight they can hold is 55lbs (42.9 kg).
- For space and safety reasons, bikes are not allowed on Para Transpo minibuses.
How to use a bike rack
Loading your bike
Before the bus arrives, get your bike ready for loading and remove any loose items. Indicate to the operator that you will be loading your bike.
- If the rack is closed, hold onto your bike with one hand and with your other hand, squeeze handle up to release latch, then lower rack.
- Lift your bike onto the rack and place the wheels in the wheel wells. Bicycle racks do not accommodate fat tire bikes, only tire widths of up to 2.3 inches.
- Raise the support arm over your tires as high as it will go, but not over the frame or fender.
You are responsible to secure your bike properly. For safety reasons, operators cannot leave the bus to assist you.
Unloading your bike
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.
Tips & helpful links
Tips
- For your safety, load and unload your bike from the front, or from the curb side of the bus.
- Load and unload your bike as quickly as possible.
- If someone wants to remove their bike, let them go first before you load your bike.
- Only non-motorized, two-wheeled bikes are allowed.
- OC Transpo personnel may refuse access to cyclists due to unsafe conditions. OC Transpo is not responsible for damages incurred or caused by or to bicycles, or for lost or stolen bicycles.
Helpful Links
- City of Ottawa cycling maps: ottawa.ca
- Our bike rack, Sportworks model DL2: sportworks.com/product/dl2
- Bike Ottawa: bikeottawa.ca
Rack & Roll practice bike rack
- We know the process of learning how to load and unload a bike on a bus can be intimidating for some customers.
- Our practice bike rack helps take the stress out of it.
- Like cyclists, our practice unit is always on the move. Visit this page to find out where it is located in the city.
Folding bikes
Follow the guidance of your bus driver. They know how to best support the safe movement of the passengers in the bus.
-
Completely fold your bike before boarding the bus.
-
Place your bike in one of the Cooperative Seating areas. These are the fold-up or flip-down seats at the front of the bus. Look for the Cooperative Seating logo.
-
If these seats are full, place your folded bike in the aisle. Make sure your bike doesn't prevent other customers from safely moving through the bus.
-
Be prepared to move if someone needs the space. Cooperative seating gives priority to customers who have a hard time standing in a moving vehicle or those who need to sit close to the entrance.
Bikes on the O-Train
- You can bring your bicycle on board O-Train lines 1 2 4all year round.
- Once on the train, walk your bike to the Cooperative Seating area to leave space for other riders.
- Hold your bike or use the kickstand to keep it from tipping during your trip.
- Don't try to enter when the train doors are closing. Holding them up delays the ride for everyone.
Line 1
- When boarding, use the first door of the first car and place your bike in the Cooperative Seating area.
- Some stations will have overhead signs to indicate the bicycle boarding zone.
Lines 2 and 4
- There is no specific boarding zone. You can board with your bike through any door on any train.
Bikes at stations
Many O-Train and transit stations have nearby cycling connections. Within the O-Train stations, follow the multi-use pathway symbol to reach the trails.
Stations are designed to make walking your bike from the entrance to the bus or train platform easier:
- Sheltered bicycle parking nearby the station entrance
- Wider fare gates at the end of each row
- Runnels to walk your bike up and down the stairs
- Elevators with enough space for bicycles and mobility devices
Bikesecure
Bikesecure is a paid service that provides customers with a reserved parking spot in a shelter that protects their bikes against theft, vandalism, and bad weather. These shelters are secured with glass walls, a door, and 24‑hour video surveillance.
Bikesecure parking spots are available at four OC Transpo stations:
- Fallowfield
- Greenboro
- Strandherd
- St-Laurent
Bicycle repair stations
Minor bike repairs, such as pumping air in your tires, can be performed at bicycle repair stations. Bike repair stations are located within sheltered parking spots to protect you and your bike against the elements.
Bicycle repair stations are available at some OC Transpo stations:
- Baseline
- Bayshore
- Dominion
- Eagleson
- Fallowfield
- Greenboro
- Place d’Orléans
- St-Laurent
- Strandherd
- Westboro
OC Transpo worked with Safer Roads Ottawa to find the best locations for bike repair stations.
E-scooters on transit
O-Train lines
- You can bring your e-scooter on board O-Train lines.
- On Line 1, board using the first door of the first car or go to the bicycle boarding zone. On Lines 2 and 4, board with your e-scooter through any door.
- Be sure to walk your e-scooter when inside the station and never ride it.
- Once on the train, hold on to your e-scooter to prevent it from falling over during your trip.
Buses
- Shared rental e-scooters (Bird, Neuron Mobility) may not be brought on board.
- E-scooters are not permitted in Rack & Roll racks.
E-scooters may be brought on board buses if:
- They are small, personal e-scooters
- They do not impact passenger safety or movement