BobbyG

Drove to work today, saw this sign next to all 18 pumps at the convenience store. The sign says "bicycle storage " but clarifies this as "bicycle racks" although there is just one, and it is the "bridal post" variety. Most convenience stores have "locking restrooms". And then it gets preachy, reminding drivers about "alternative forms of transportation" and their social, environmental and health benefits.

So really Kum&Go stuck a pole with handgrips in the ground and paid to make and post 16 plaques to overstate the importance of what they did in regards to the environment, society and effort.

Or is it just me.

indyfabz

It's just you. It's really, really just you. BTW...I know of plenty of C-stores that do not have locking rest rooms.

vinnyvincent

Yeah I think it's just you. I don't see anything on that sign other than a statement of simple facts that a lot of people may not consider.

spivonious

There's really a store called "Kum and Go" ? *snicker*

deex

I think I need to visit this store! And yes get off your high horse, at least you have a pole to stick "it" to.

indyfabz

That was my thought.

indyfabz

Sounds like he feels under attack because he drives to his job at the c-sore instead of riding. Or maybe a guilty conscience?

Ekdog

So, these folks are "preachy, braggy and insincere"? If the words had been spoken, we might have surmised that it was the tone of voice that tipped the OP off and caused him to choose such unflattering adjectives, but he inferred all of this from a sign? This is a standard attack formula used by a certain group who post to this forum in an effort to silence any and all who might dare to advocate cycling or alternative forms of transport. How sad!

BobbyG

Okay, I guess I got my answer(s)...thanks!

randomgear

There most likely is a LEED plaque somewhere on the store. Buildings can get get a LEED point for providing bicycle parking and shower facilities, I believe 30 points are required for LEED silver. If you adhere to the IBC Energy Code it doesn't take much more effort to get a building LEED certified. Soe of the common ways designers can increase a building's points are quite worthwhile, others perhaps not so much. Certainly the HVAC guys think that the bike parking point is a huge joke; my opinion differs.

Anyways, in my opinion, its more about the warm and fuzzy than it about real energy efficiancy or sustainabilty. A sustainable Gas Station...

From K&G's website: " Building sustainable stores is another way that we support our local communities. What makes a convenience store sustainable? Learn more about our sustainability efforts and LEED certified stores."
Links here: https://www.kumandgo.com/about-kum-a...ustainability/
https://www.kumandgo.com/about-kum-a...ing-practices/

hooCycles

However insincere the intentions could be, it is still a nice feature to have for your cycling patrons.

genec

Or restrooms at all. Or the typical "No Public Restroom."

NYMXer

I'll just add that more convenience stores should follow suit. How many times have you been on a ride and needed a restroom only to see a sign that the restrooms are for customers only and you need to ask for a key?
Regardless of motive, I like the direction the store is going. What's next, free air? Oh, the good old days.....

BobbyG

I guess I've been spoiled by easy restroom accessibility. I grew up in Chicago and am no stranger to "no public restrooms." But then I lived in Iowa where it seemed like people would invite you to use the restroom in their home if none was available at their business. And now in Colorado Springs, bathroom access is free and easy. And in a couple of instances I have asked to use restrooms in business that have signs proclaiming "no public restrooms" and been granted access. Maybe it's because I'm 50+ and don't look like I'm going to destroy things.

FBinNY 

I don't agree with the OP's sentiment, but I can understand it. We see all kinds of insincere politically correct claims of being green or whatever, so I can relate to the OP seeing this as one of those.

However, the company did actually do something tangible in providing posts, and if they really added showers or otherwise made the rest rooms more suitable for bicycle commuters, that's pretty good. Most companies need to have arms twisted before they do anything like this for employees, and here they are doing i for customers.

Moe Zhoost

Many companies spin things a bit to build perception that they are committed. May be mostly for show, but at least they gave it some thought.

bakes1

17 responses and not one of them agrees with OP.
I guess we are all preachy, braggy and insincere?

indyfabz

Speak for yourself, pal. I am preachy and insincere, but I never brag. BTW...Have I ever mentioned that I have a beautiful, hand-crafted, custom ti frame built by a sole proprietor?

bakes1

Very nice, but is said sole proprietor also a virgin?
Mine was.
Just sayin...

Leebo

So it has a place to lock your bike, and a place to change. The problem is?

lostarchitect 

There is really no need for the name calling, @bakes1.

lostarchitect 

I get where you are coming from. The thing is, whenever a corporation or company does something like this it's not "sincere," since a corporation is incapable of sincerity--except that it sincerely wants to make profits. This is not a knock on corporations & companies, it's just that that's what they exist for! So you can see this as something they thought might increase profits to some degree. They're accommodating more customers and trying to cultivate a positive image.

lostarchitect 

As we used to say when I taught little kids:

"How very sad."

NYMXer

I tend to agree that regardless of differences in opinion, there is no need for a personal attack towards any member here, well except maybe a blatant troll.

Standalone 

I think it's great. What is not to like?