BART joins Bike East Bay to prevent bike theft

BART has announced a new partnership with Bike East Bay to help inform riders on how to keep their bikes safe.

The organization (formerly the East Bay Bicycle Coalition), which advocates for safety for bicyclists in the East Bay, had representatives on hand at several BART stations throughout the Friday evening commute to provide tips and materials for riders to keep their bikes from being stolen.

The transit agency said representatives from Bike East Bay will be visible from now until the summer of 2015.

BART board member Robert Raburn said in a statement that bike thefts are an ongoing problem in the Bay Area:

“…but with the right equipment and knowledge cyclists can significantly reduce the chances.”

The program will include handing discounts for U-Locks, BikeLink starter cards to use the BART lockers and stations and bike register assistance, said the transit agency.

Bike East Bay Executive Director Renne Rivera said the organization will also use the outreach event to remind bicyclists about the rules of riding BART, like no bikes on the first train, and avoiding crowded trains.

Raburn also said that bicyclists who do not need their bikes for their full trip should take advantage of the bike lockers and stations.

BART said it has 1,640 lockers and bike stations at the Ashby, Embarcadero, Downtown Berkeley and Fruitvale stations.

The transit agency said it is working on new bike stations at the 19th Street and Civic Center stations. The 19th street bike station will open next month. The Civic Center bike stations plans to open next spring.

The organization has posted a calendar outreach events and a list of stores where bicyclists can get a discount for a U-Lock.