BikeLink lockers at BART stations
My bike seat was stolen at the N Berkeley BART not long ago. I had some locks installed on it but decided I would use the Bike Link lockers if I park there again. I got a card some years ago but have only used it once or twice & never the lockers. I did a trial test last weekend & discovered my bike didn't fit! It's a commuter bike with baskets in the rear. I didn't try to fold the one basket I always leave open because it's a hassle but maybe that is why? I am wondering if they are all the same size. There doesn't seem to be any easy access to speak to a human at BikeLink so posting to see what folks know about locker sizes & whether they are uniform in size. Thanks. And if you're not familiar with BikeLink, check it out: https://www.bikelink.org/
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I have used the cages at North Berkeley BART since my bike was stolen there. I think the silver ones are slightly larger than the orange/red(?) ones, but I'm not sure. I have to fold the baskets on my bike, back it in, and turn the front wheel. My husband has also stored his bike in them, and it is at the larger end of men's frames. It's pretty easy once you get used to it.
Also, I've found the Bike Link staff very responsive when I've emailed. The website isn't the most helpful, but the people are great.
I would try calling BikeLink. Every time I've called I've talked to a real person who has been super helpful.
From what I've seen they're all the same size (at least, that seems to be true at del Norte station). I'm surprised your bike didn't fit, since it seems like people cram all sorts of stuff into the lockers, including trailers. Maybe you would have better luck at the group parking in downtown Berkeley since it's not lockers?
Sorry to hear about your seat! I only use Bike Link lockers - I don't ever lock up my bike on the street. You will definitely need to fold your baskets. All of the lockers I have found are the same size. The triangular shape of the locker will restrict them to traditional bikes (no long-tail bikes or cargo bikes, unfortunately). Oh, and make sure you resist the temptation to ever use a Bike Link locker for anything that's not a bike and a pannier - they check. I just saw a notification on a locker for someone who tried to store luggage. Their card had been deactivated for ToS violation, and they were blocked from making another account.
I use BikeLink lockers successfully for a commuter bike with a kid seat in the back and big porteur rack in front. I turn the front wheel to the side and often have to jam it in there, but I can always get the door closed. At Rockridge, at least, all the lockers are nominally the same size, but through trial and error I've found that certain lockers have more "give" in them and can accommodate my bike with less struggle.
I have always good experiences with BikeLink customer service (suppot [at] bikelink.org).
The big shared spaces at Ashby and downtown might be a good alternative.