CHESTERTON, Ind. (AP) _ The South Shore commuter rail is planning a pilot program next spring allowing bicycles on trains on weekends.

The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District board approved that one-year program on Friday. The Post-Tribune reports (http://bit.ly/1N4Q7I8 ) the district plans to outfit three cars with bike racks. Bike owners will sit next to their bikes.

Noland says each car will be equipped with about 25 to 30 bike racks. The racks will be attached to the car's metal heating system. Cyclists will have to get on and off at stations with high-level boarding platforms.

Noland says the pilot program is in response to reaction the district received after saying bicycles likely wouldn't be allowed on trains until 2021 after new cars were purchased.