They are designed to roll over most terrain, but “fat tire” bikes—including electric bikes—are not designed to fit into most standard bike racks. The West Seattle and Vashon Water Taxis have installed new bike racks that will hold both standard and “fat”—tire sizes as wide as 4.6 inches.

The popularity of bigger bikes, including electric bikes, has grown during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Until now, the size of the tires on these bikes have prevented riders from boarding the Water Taxi, since for safety reasons, all bikes must be securely stowed, and previous bike racks were too narrow to accommodate tire widths over 2.5 inches.

The Water Taxi staff worked with bicycle storage experts Sportworks to find a solution.

The team designed racks that have been installed on the M/V Doc Maynard and M/V Sally Fox allowing them to accommodate multiple tire sizes. Each rack will hold nine fat tire bikes and have an overall capacity of 26 bikes regardless of tire width.

The water taxi is on its summer sailing schedule, and the City of Seattle and King County have reached an agreement to continue mid-day service seven-days-a-week this fall and winter. Adult fare is $5.75 one way ($5.00 with an ORCA card). Customers with lower incomes, people with disabilities, seniors, and youth can apply for discount transit fares using the Reduced Fare Portal.