More folding bicycles are appearing on the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) trains. BART is the electric commuter train that traverses the San Francisco Bay Area. Hinged bikes that can be folded in half, can be carried instead of wheeled about. As gas prices continue to hit American pockets and purses, as people grow more conscious of the ecological effects of their actions, and as people move closer to urban areas, more of those people are cycling to work.

These same factors also increase transit ridership on systems like BART. Buses and train cars are congested, so passengers who bring bikes onboard to continue their commute are facing resentment by passengers cramming into crowded areas.

Many transit carriers do not allow bikes in the bus or train cars, but only mounted to a limited number of bike racks. The folding bike nearly eliminates this difficulty as it’s easily compactable and takes up less room. With smaller wheels, generally around 20 inches, and taller seat, these bikes may look awkward, but they don't take up the space of two extra commuters.

Folding bikes come in many styles, at numerous price points and can be found online or in specialty stores. Their use and ownership is increasing and is likely to continue to grow as commuter vehicles.