So I live in Chicago, thought to be a fairly bike-friendly town (though that's debatable). I ride my bike not just for fun but to run errands and as a commuter occasionally (I'm a frequent Damen Ave bus rider, though). I'm growing increasingly frustrated at the lack of bike racks in strip malls and near big box stores. Just because I'm shopping at Home Depot doesn't mean I have a pickup in the lot to carry my drywall. Sometimes I just need some caulk or light bulbs. Strip malls are the worst (Hello River Point Shopping Center on Fullerton!!!) and I find myself locking up pretty far from the entrances to stores and often to less than secure locations.
If any of you have successfully lobbied to get racks installed in your errand destinations, what was your approach? I am usually pretty pissed when I walk into Home Depot after locking up to an easily removable parking sign, so approaching the $10/hour manager probably won't yield more than a "thank you for your concern, sir."
Or, should I just chalk it up to the same thing a motorist endures when they have to park at the edge of the lot and walk?
I realize I may be splitting hairs, but it's just a real letdown when you arrive at said location and have to backtrack to find a suitable location to secure your ride.
Thanks y'all.
Marrock
10-26-07, 01:11 PM
Right now I'm trying to get a rack installed at the shopping center in town, with all the shops they have there there are zero racks to use, so you see bikes tied fast to trash cans, trees, mailboxes, what ever is handy.
So I approached the supermarket manager since, I figured, they were the largest leaser in the center if they asked for one the building manager might be more obliging.
The manager said he had to take it up with the corporate offices and eventually was told that it's more of a local issue, so he's contacting the building manager to see what can be done.
I explained to the manager that there were quite a few people in the area that rode to the center and they really should have someplace to lock their bikes fast while spending their money in his store.
I also informed him that it would look better with proper bike parking as opposed to folks just piling their bikes where ever they could find something to lock it to.
kjohnnytarr
10-26-07, 01:17 PM
Bring your bike in the stores. That way, they'll bring it up instead of you. ;)
gwd
10-26-07, 01:35 PM
Well, I've had success with getting racks installed. When I found out the city had a free rack program I e-mailed with the location and guess what? The city installed a rack right where I requested. On another occasion a new nationwide retailer opened up and their store had no bike racks. I wrote the company that I really liked the way their store in Philly had bike racks right by the front door and a month later they had installed racks. The racks were so well used they installed even more racks.
Marrock
10-26-07, 01:37 PM
Actually, I've done that, drug both my girlfriend's trike and my bike and trailer into the store, especially when it was snowing or sleeting outside... didn't seem to make much difference.
Platy
10-26-07, 03:15 PM
Does anyone know about how much it costs to install a bike rack at an existing store or strip center? Are any permits typically required? If I knew it's something that's usually cheap and simple to do, I'd be more inclined to ask for racks.
Marrock
10-26-07, 03:34 PM
The most expensive part is the rack itself, installation isn't much of an issue since most places don't bother anchoring them because they usually weigh a couple hundred pounds(if they get the right kind) and they like to be able to move them for maintenance reasons.
That's just my take on it, your mileage may vary.
Newspaperguy
10-26-07, 06:34 PM
The other day, I was casually talking with one business owner who is seriously considering setting up a bike rack in front of her business. She's a hairdresser and some of her customers prefer to travel by bike. I was able to give her a few suggestions about the kind of rack to install.
The hair studio is next door to a restaurant so two businesses will benefit if and when the rack is finally installed.
maddyfish
10-26-07, 07:48 PM
I've been working through Lowe's corporate for several months now with no sucess at all. They always come back to " well sir a bike rack is not on planogram"
gerv
10-26-07, 09:20 PM
Does anyone know about how much it costs to install a bike rack at an existing store or strip center? Are any permits typically required? If I knew it's something that's usually cheap and simple to do, I'd be more inclined to ask for racks.
http://www.bikeracks.com/
Click on the one you like to get a price
sherpa93
10-27-07, 03:18 AM
I gave up long long ago. I use a tree at the Post Office (has a tattered yellow ribbon. sad in itself). Other places Ive found Natural gas lines to lock up to (only the stupid thief..) PicNic tables fences etc.
Dahon.Steve
10-27-07, 11:46 AM
http://www.bikeracks.com/
Click on the one you like to get a price
HOLY COW!
Those bike racks are expensive. Some costing several thousand dollars! Incredible. Now I know why we hardly see bike racks.
Regardless, I don't need bike racks because they tend to draw kids who want to steal or damage bikes. You're better off locking the bike in a hidden area.
Marrock
10-27-07, 12:25 PM
HOLY COW!
Those bike racks are expensive. Some costing several thousand dollars! Incredible. Now I know why we hardly see bike racks.
Regardless, I don't need bike racks because they tend to draw kids who want to steal or damage bikes. You're better off locking the bike in a hidden area.
Yeah, that makes it easier for someone to cut your locks without any pesky passers by disturbing their work.
donnamb
10-27-07, 01:13 PM
Where I live, the city has a partnership available with local businesses to get bike parking in. The city can purchase racks for a lot less than individuals or businesses. They generally go with staple or ribbon racks. Interested businesses are expected to pay for part or all of the cost, and they city puts them in using their special locking lugnuts that you can't get off with a regular wrench. They'll also help businesses figure out what their real needs are, so they don't spend too much.
Robert C
10-27-07, 11:22 PM
http://www.bikeracks.com/
Click on the one you like to get a price
Thanks for this link. I have been trying to get a bike rack where I am for over a year. The real problem is that no one here really understands what a bike rack is or what it is for.
The other problem, and the reason that I doubt that they will ever install one, is that bikes are seen as not being worth much and only poor people ride bicycles anyways; so, there is not real reason to do anything.
The police refuse to take reports of stolen bicycles due to the above reasons. So, by default, there is no record of bicycle theft being a problem. Bicycle theft is seen as just a part of life.
I do like the elevation drawings on that page and they give me something to take to the administration to show them. They really think that painting a box on the pavement and then painting, "park bicycles here," is a bike parking area.
Marrock
10-28-07, 12:16 AM
Well, if the shopping center I mentioned earlier sees fit to not put in racks, I intend to make it clear that if any bikes are stolen from the center I will file suit against whomever was responsible for the decision for the replacement costs of any and all bikes, trikes, and bike trailers damaged or stolen because of their poor decision making ability.
I have a lawyer and I know how to use it...
The Historian
10-28-07, 07:34 AM
HOLY COW!
Those bike racks are expensive. Some costing several thousand dollars! Incredible. Now I know why we hardly see bike racks.
How much does it cost to maintain a parking lot? Not just paving, but line painting and signs as well? It's expensive. Now I know why we hardly see proper car parking. :)
I922sParkCir
10-28-07, 08:14 AM
If any of you have successfully lobbied to get racks installed in your errand destinations, what was your approach? I am usually pretty pissed when I walk into Home Depot after locking up to an easily removable parking sign, so approaching the $10/hour manager probably won't yield more than a "thank you for your concern, sir."
When I ever go to The Home Depot I just park my bike in the employee break room. Maybe it helps that I work there. On a serious note I am actually working on a plan to get them to get some bike racks. I don't think my efforts will be successful though. I think, at most, they will use the crappy one's (http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&productId=100464810&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&cm_sp=BazVoice-_-RLP-_-100464810-_-x) we sell in the employee break room.
-Jai
I-Like-To-Bike
10-28-07, 08:29 AM
Well, if the shopping center I mentioned earlier sees fit to not put in racks, I intend to make it clear that if any bikes are stolen from the center I will file suit against whomever was responsible for the decision for the replacement costs of any and all bikes, trikes, and bike trailers damaged or stolen because of their poor decision making ability.
I have a lawyer and I know how to use it...
Anybody can sue anybody and/or "have a lawyer"; collecting money on a frivolous suit that lacks merit is another story. You'd do better lightening up or getting a more substantial lock.
Marrock
10-28-07, 10:31 AM
I'm not looking to get money... that's hardly the point.
I'd only use the lawyer reference to help motivate them in the right direction.
I always considered lawyers to be like nuclear weapons, only to be used as a last resort and they always leave a nasty mess behind when used.
Booger1
10-28-07, 01:36 PM
Depending on where you live,a decent bike rack is not cheap.In a small town with mom and pop stores,that's a good chunk of change for them.Maybe they could just drive a few poles in the ground with loops welded on.For the big chain stores,I don't think there's a good excuse for not having a good rack.At my local big chain store,I asked MANY,MANY times for them to install some kind of rack,any kind of rack,to no avail.So I started locking my bike to the first 2 or 3 shopping carts in the rack,so the customers couldn't get the carts out.After the manager had to track me down 2-3 times to unlock me bike so the customers could use the carts,and me reminding him how nice a bike rack would be,they caved in and had a rack put in a couple weeks later.The manager and I sort of laugh at each other now when we see each other.
Dahon.Steve
10-28-07, 04:50 PM
Yeah, that makes it easier for someone to cut your locks without any pesky passers by disturbing their work.
If the bike is hidden, exposure by those passing by will be limited. These individuals in general are not carrying the the equiptment needed to brake locks. The bike racks on the other hand bring the element that carries the heavy duty lock cutters.
Each year, these are numerous bike rack horror stories on this board. The only time my bikes were attacked were on bike racks. Go to any train station and you'll see first hand the beatings bikes take and these are usually rusting beaters!