Bike to work? Ride the bus for free this week

If you board a Sioux Area Metro bus with your bicycle, you’ll ride for free this week.

It’s an initiative in honor of National Bike Month, which aims to encourage “multi-model commuting” and highlight how seamless it is to be a cyclist using the city’s redesigned transit network.

The move follows the success of the “SAM Reimagined” plan, which expanded transit access to 100 percent of the city and doubled job access through transit for many residents.

“We want to make it as easy as possible for residents to leave their cars at home,” said Justin Jellinek, who leads central operations for Via, the city’s transit manager.

“By offering free fares to cyclists, we are demonstrating how the bus can serve as a powerful ‘bridge’ for bike commuters — whether they are looking to cover longer distances, avoid inclement weather or navigate hilly terrain. This initiative reflects our commitment to a data-driven, accessible transit system that grows alongside the city.”

Through Friday, any rider boarding a SAM fixed-route bus with a bicycle will ride for free. Riders simply load their bike onto the front-mounted racks of the bus and inform the operator they are participating in the bike month promotion. No ticket or app activation is required for these trips.

Since partnering with Via in 2024, Sioux Area Metro has seen a significant increase in efficiency and ridership. Total transit ridership in 2025 increased by 21 percent compared with 2024, and the system is seeing similar growth in the first part of this year.

“National Bike Month is the perfect time to explore how our revamped transit system can support your daily routine,” said Fletcher Lacock, senior planner for the city’s Planning and Development Services Department, which oversees public transit. “Whether you’re biking to work, to the park or to one of our local businesses, SAM is here to help you get there efficiently and affordably.”

For information on routes, schedules and how to use the bike racks, visit siouxareametro.info or download the SAM Transit app.