Los Angeles - Metrolink will roll ten "bike cars" into regular service just in time for CicLAvia. Bike cars are passenger railcars outfitted with space for between 18 and 24 bicycles, instead of two slots like other railcars. The agency hopes this will encourage more Southern Californians to take the train to their destination by giving them a way to get to and from the train station by accommodating more bicycles.

To create the new bicycle cars, Metrolink crews removed 29 passenger seats on the bottom level of one of its railcars that traditionally seats up to 149 people. Bicycle cars can be identified by yellow decals located on the outside of the rail car.

Metrolink used in-house resources to design and retrofit existing cars with additional storage for bicycles. The agency coordinated with bicycle advocates on the design, which was ultimately approved by the Federal Railroad Administration.

In August, Metrolink piloted two "bicycle cars" on the Inland-Empire line weekend beach trains.All of thebike cars will rotate throughout the 512-mile service area where the need for additional service space is greatest. Metrolink will add more bicycle cars in the future if the demand grows.

On Sunday, October 9, CicLAvia will transform 10 miles of L.A.'s streets into a car-free, safe, family-friendly place and citywide block party. CicLAvia is free and welcomes people of all ages and interests to get out of their cars and experience the city in a whole new way, from sneakers to stilts and bikes to trikes.

For more information, or to download maps and walking tours, please visit www.ciclavia.org