A.V. BUSES TO GET BIKE RACKS.

Byline: Romy Jacobson Daily News Staff Writer

Getting from point A to point B in the Antelope Valley just got a bit easier - at least for Antelope Valley Transit Authority users who ride bicycles.

AVTA placed two-bike racks on each of its 25 around-town buses, accessible for no extra charge above the usual fare.

``It's going to benefit the community a lot,'' said Steve Navarro, AVTA operations coordinator. ``Unfortunately, we don't have enough buses on every street. People have to walk. This way people can ride to the nearest bus stop.''

The Metropolitan Transit Authority contributed 80 percent of the funds for the $32,500 project, with AVTA contributing an additional $6,500, according to Gary Wosk, MTA spokesman.

``This was funded as part of a call for projects,'' Wosk said. ``This is something we conduct every two years. We invite 88 cities throughout L.A. County to submit proposals which we review. In 1998 we distributed $600 million.''

Funds are distributed for such projects as signal synchronization, car-pool lanes, bike lanes, major street widening projects, freeway ramps and park-and-ride lots, according to Wosk.

Placing bicycle racks on buses is a growing trend, as in Seattle, where 1,400 transit buses have been equipped with the devices. Within the next two months, the MTA plans to install 700 racks on its fleet, according to Navarro.

Transit authority officials believe that placing the bike racks on the buses will help clean up the air and encourage physical fitness.

``Each bike that's put on the rack hopefully equals one less car on the road,'' Navarro said. ``It promotes a healthy lifestyle because of the exercise. Biking is good exercise. It provides an extra transportation option for residents of the Antelope Valley.''