Sharing the Road with Lethbridge Transit

Buses are a big part of the traffic flow on major city streets and many commuters depend on them to get where they need to go safely. Buses take up a lot of space and make frequent stops, leaving and re-entering the flow of traffic. Buses normally do not have a problem sharing the road, but various factors including road and weather conditions can make it challenging at times.

Using courtesy, caution and showing clear intention promotes a safe trip for everyone on the roads.

Things to remember:

  • Buses have to make wide right turns. Avoid squeezing by a bus on the right.
  • Buses are not easy to maneuver, and they have blind spots - even though the bus’ mirrors may be adjusted properly, they still can’t spot everything. They also have no rear windows.
  • Do not park in bus stops, even if you are just stopping for a minute. This causes buses to stop in areas away from the designated bus stop area which could create problems for transit customers and other drivers.
  • Buses need more space than cars when stopping. A bus traveling at 30 km/hr takes 18 meters, or more than one bus length, to stop.  Avoid cutting in front of them at traffic lights or traffic circles, even though the gap may look large to you.
  • Buses take longer to accelerate from a stop than cars. Please assist buses merging into traffic from stops by allowing them in. Please yield, it takes only 5 seconds.
  • A few seconds of extra courtesy on your part might help 50 people catch their connections.

Please Yield Campaign

Edmonton Transit partnered with the Alberta Motor Association to promote the 2010 Please Yield campaign by creating a series of videos to inform the public.   The videos highlight the 5 seconds it takes for a bus to leave a bus stop and re-enter the traffic flow.  Pausing for just 5 seconds to let the bus in keeps traffic flowing smoothly, enhancing overall road safety and promotes a safe trip for everyone.  This is especially important in winter when road and weather conditions are less than pleasant.  So, Give the Bus a Brake and keep traffic flowing smoothly by taking 5 seconds to let the bus back into traffic from a bus stop.  Please take a moment to watch these videos and see how you can do your part to help out.
  

Stay Alert on the Road
​5 Second Courtesy
​Share the Road
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HPIM0470.JPGBus and Bike Program


Lethbridge cyclists can enjoy the convenience of biking and busing on all Lethbridge Transit routes. There's no cost to use the rack - you just pay your regular transit fare and enjoy the ride. Bike Racks are installed on all transit buses and can accommodate two bikes per bus. They are available on a first-come first serve basis.

Worried that your fat tires won't fit?  Have a look or give it a shot next time you see a bus stopped.  You would be surprised that even your DH bike can fit!


Refer to Loading / Unloading instructions to make sure your bike is properly secured.


Travel Tips

  • Before the bus arrives, get your bike ready for loading by removing any loose objects like water bottles, pumps and locks, that could fall of while the bus is in motion.
  • Loading and unloading your bike takes approximately 20 seconds.
  • Lethbridge Transit is not responsible for lost, stolen or damages incurred or caused by or to bicycles.
  • A bus operator may refuse a cyclist transportation due to unsafe conditions:
    • If a child seat or luggage carrier on a bike interferes with visibility.
    • If a bike won't fit on a rack.
    • While a majority of bicycles can be accommodated on the bike racks, some large or small bicycles may not fit.
  • Always remember to remove your bike after you arrive at your destination - new Bike and Bus riders often forget.

Simple to Use

  • A cyclist is responsible for properly securing their bike.
    Always load and unload your bike from the front or curbside of the bus.
  • For safety reasons, a bus operator cannot leave the bus to assist you but will provide verbal instruction upon request.
  • If in doubt, refer to the instruction decals conveniently located on the bicycle racks.

Loading

  • Indicate to the operator you'll be loading your bike.
  • If a rack is empty, hold your bike with one hand, squeeze rack handle to release latch, then lower.
  • Lift bike onto rack, placing wheels into proper wheel slots.
    Raise and pull support arm out and over front tire to secure the bike in place.

Common Courtesy

  • If someone wants to remove their bike let them do so before loading your bike.

Unloading

  • Be Ready to Depart before reaching your destination, inform the operator that you will be unloading your bike.
  • Use front door to exit bus.
  • Raise and pull the support arm out and down over the tire to release it.
  • Lift bike from rack. (if rack is empty, fold up rack to lock position.)
  • Step away from bus and signal to the operator you are clear from the bus.

Remember to wear a helmet when riding your bike.

 

Learning to Ride Lethbridge Transit

 Our Bus Travel Training program is a free, self-paced training program for people who want to learn to travel independently using our regular bus system. Training occurs one-on-one in a supportive environment. Travel Training can give you the freedom to explore the City of Lethbridge.  Use your new skills and experience riding the bus to get out and have fun!
  • Go shopping
  • Visit friends and relatives
  • Keep appointments
  • Come and go as you wish - no need to pre-schedule rides
  • Stay involved with the community

Becoming more familiar with the transportation options and service available in your community increases your ability to remain independent and be engaged in the community.

We have developed a document with basic instructions on how to use our system. Please have a read to learn how you can easily and efficiently use Lethbridge Transit

HowtoRideLetyhbridgeTransit.pdfHow to Ride Lethbridge Transit 

For more information on our Travel Training Program, please contact us at (403) 320-4023 or at AAR@lethbridge.ca.