Commuting - NYC seat covers

I was visiting NYC this past week and noted a lot of bikes chained to trees and such that had a plastic grocery bag covering the saddle. Is that simply to protect the saddle from rain or does that serve some other purpose? There was no threat of rain the few days I was there.

Pigeons

They're rain covers for delivery bikes. Easier to just tie it on and leave it on rather than keep taking it off and putting it back on again. Also, some of the saddles are pretty chewed up w/ the covers coming off so that's how they prevent further degradation.

I see a lot of those here in the PNW, too. Around here, it's mostly a rain cover. I see a lot of people commuting and running errands in the rain, and when they get where they're going; out comes the grocery sack for the seat.
I've also seen people use gallon sized freezer bags, cut up plastic drip sheets (like painters use), and saran wrap.

If you ever had a chewed up bike seat (like most delivery bike seats are..) you know the foam becomes a huge sponge for rain water. The plastic bag keeps the water out of & off the seat.

Is that simply to protect the saddle from rain or does that serve some other purpose? There was no threat of rain the few days I was there.

To protect from terrorists...

To protect from terrorists...

Only if you use plastic drop cloth and secure it with duct-tape.

I have stashed a supply of NYC seat covers in a secret location near the bike rack. When I hear thunder, I announce to my coworkers that I'm "going outside to put the top up."

They're rain covers for delivery bikes. Easier to just tie it on and leave it on rather than keep taking it off and putting it back on again. Also, some of the saddles are pretty chewed up w/ the covers coming off so that's how they prevent further degradation.


...or for concealing the Brooks (or other more valuable) saddles underneath from would-be theives.

I'm in New York for the next two weeks. I swear I have never seen a greater collection of fugly bikes. I mean, I understand why noone would park a carbon fiber wonder around here, but, but, DAMN! They aren't just beaten with an ugly stick, they've been the victims of an ugly bombing!

Do you have any desire to steal any of those fugly bikes? No? Well then, the camouflage works. But thieves will still swipe the fugly bikes and re-sell them to a different restaurant.

I'm in New York for the next two weeks. I swear I have never seen a greater collection of fugly bikes. I mean, I understand why noone would park a carbon fiber wonder around here, but, but, DAMN! They aren't just beaten with an ugly stick, they've been the victims of an ugly bombing!
Thats why Kryponite named a lock"N.Y.C Fuggitaboutit" if it aint nailed down (Read that as Welded) some Crackhead WILL steal it!!