An apparatus for accessing the bed of a pickup truck having a rear bumper and a tailgate includes a step assembly having a lower linkage assembly with first and second ends and being pivotally mounted at the first end to the rear truck bumper; an upper linkage assembly having third and fourth ends and being pivotally mounted at the third end to and proximal the distal edge of the truck tailgate and being pivotally mounted at the fourth end to the second end of the lower linkage assembly; and a step connected to the lower linkage assembly; and includes a handrail assembly including a handrail, a storage locking bracket assembly securing the handrail to the step assembly in an up, closed position, and an erected support assembly for securing the handrail in an upright, user assist position when the step assembly is in a lowered, open position.