Legislation allowing 60-foot buses to carry more bikes on racks has been signed by Gov. Jerry Brown.

The measure, AB 3124, was introduced by Assemblyman Richard Bloom (D-Santa Monica) and will help facilitate multi-modal travel in California.

“As state and local agencies move to attract more riders to transit to meet California’s laudable environmental and mobility goal, it is important to accommodate riders who use various modes, including bikes, to get to and from transit systems,” Bloom said. “AB 3124 will help better accommodate these riders by increasing the number of bikes that can be carried on transit busses.”

Transit buses are generally equipped with front-mounted bicycle racks that allow riders to transport their bicycles. Until recently, all types of transit vehicles were allowed to be equipped with bike racks extending 36 inches from the front of the bus, enough space to accommodate a two-position bike rack.

In 2014, 40-foot transit buses were authorized to have longer bike racks that could accommodate up to three bicycles, but the same authorization was not granted to 45 and 60-foot buses, despite their greater passenger capacity.

AB 3124 allows 60-foot buses, also known as articulated buses, to be equipped with racks that can accommodate up to three bikes. Despite the differences in length between a 40-foot and 60-foot bus, both vehicles have a similar turn radius thanks to the articulated bus’ accordion design.

To ensure the buses’ safe operation, the measure requires public agencies to establish a route review committee prior to the installation of three-position bike racks. The four-member committee will be responsible for undertaking a field review of proposed routes.

“Increasing the capacity of bikes on buses encourages individuals throughout the state to leave their cars at home and utilize the use of public transportation to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” Bloom added.