BART passengers are split evenly on the prospect of allowing increased access for cyclists on the system, according to a new survey.

During every Friday this past August, BART waived its normal blackout periods when bikes are prohibited from trains during the morning and evening commutes. During the month, the transit agency polled passengers to gather feedback on whether the program should be continued or expanded in some manner.

Of the 2,200 passengers surveyed, 37 percent preferred to keep the ban against bikes in place, while a corresponding 37 percent said they wanted to end the blackout periods. Another 25 percent said they would like to see the blackout period reduced from its current two-hour time period to one hour.

While BART’s riders evidenced an ideological split about the future of the bike ban, very few voiced significant displeasure with the monthlong pilot project in August. According to the survey, 90 percent of the passengers who rode the system during commute times on Fridays did not experience any personal problems with the system.

Additionally, 25 percent of the passengers surveyed said they would be more likely to ride their bikes to BART if the blackout period was lifted.

wreisman@sfexaminer.com