Living Car Free - Asking stores to allow you to bring your bike inside

Don't know if I'm posting in the right area.

Ok, I'm always hesitant to ask if I can bring my road bike just inside a store. If I only need to pick something up quickly, I will usually give it a try. Today, for the first time, I got denied. The manager said no. Does anyone have an opinion on this issue?

My opinion is just bring it in and don't ask. I've never been bothered when I've done this. However I also don't do it anywhere which is small and it may be in the way of others.

My opinion is just bring it in and don't ask. I've never been bothered when I've done this. However I also don't do it anywhere which is small and it may be in the way of others.

I understand your position - it is probably more effective - "better to ask for forgiveness than permission". But I just can't bring myself to do it - would feel too uncomfortable without explicit OK from employees.

I think one of the problems is many times employees think you are asking to bring in a dirty, run-of-the-mill bike.

I betcha given long enough to think about it, most managers/owners would say "no" thinking there is a liability issue if the bike gets damaged in the store.

I think one of the problems is many times employees think you are asking to bring in a dirty, run-of-the-mill bike.


If it's raining, snowing or blowing out, your bike is probably pretty dirty. I have never thought of bringing mine in a store. That's why I carry a lock.

If it's raining, snowing or blowing out, your bike is probably pretty dirty. I have never thought of bringing mine in a store. That's why I carry a lock.

My bike is VERY clean - almost always. If it is raining or snowing, it is highly unlikely I'm riding. And if it was dirty, I would never ask. My original question was centered around road bikes - not commuter, mountain, or beater bikes. I have my other bike that I use for my errands - and I would never ask to bring that inside. But sometimes I'm out on a ride, and I need to pick something up. Usually just an individual item that would require me taking my eyes off my bike for about 60 seconds - a lot longer than I would ever leave the bike unattended. And I would never lock up my road bike - never mind the MAJOR inconvenience and impracticality of carrying a lock on a road bike ride.

Just lock up your bike dude.... If its only or a quick trip inside the store then buy a very small, light cable lock with a 4 digit combo. Should be fine for 20 mins.

I lean my bike just inside the front doors of Quik-ee Marts and liquor stores, where my tires are at least as clean as anyone's shoes, and Home Depot, where I use it as a shopping cart. If you think about it, any place that can accommodate shopping carts should be able to handle bicycles, right?

My opinion is just bring it in and don't ask. I've never been bothered when I've done this. However I also don't do it anywhere which is small and it may be in the way of others.
If you'd do that at my office, I'd ask you to remove the bike. But if you're in to see me and you ask nicely, I'd probably ask you to come to the back door where I'd let you park your bike inside next to mine.

If you think about it, any place that can accommodate shopping carts should be able to handle bicycles, right?
True, but if a store lets you take your bike inside, then next week, some kid might take his bike inside and start riding around the store.

I get mad at cyclists for NOT bringing their bikes in-especially if it's raining. I hate to see a bike sit out in the elements for no good reason. Ironically, when told it's ok most people will still park outside. They either don't believe me or think it's impolite to roll indoors at a business.

depends on the store.
often times, i simply walk in, cable it to something and walk away.
if its a big problem
i apologize and don't return

often its a matter of timing.
i used to work 2-11pm, so after work, I'd go to the grocery store.
at around midnight, it was no problem to walk in with my bike and cable it to a rack of bagels
during the day... thats a different story.

some places, like small stores, i just walk in
but then again...
i kind of pitch it like this...
if a business lets a cyclist bring their bike inside for a moment, more cyclists are apt to shop there.

so for instance, I've been part of Velo Club Monterey for about 15yrs.
places like coffee shops, a deli, liquor store, etc...
these types of places, we are prone to buy something after a ride, like a sandwich and a drink.
so we seek out places where we can hang out.

something like
15 cyclists, each spending about $5 each...
then the next step is trying to coax them for sponsorship... which is really a spot on the jersey

blah blah blah...

potentially, a viable tactic could be in the approach.

I think bikes should be allowed in stores no questions asked. The weather shouldnt matter. Shoes and shopping carts touch the same amount of ground so that makes no sense.

My bike is VERY clean - almost always. If it is raining or snowing, it is highly unlikely I'm riding. And if it was dirty, I would never ask. My original question was centered around road bikes - not commuter, mountain, or beater bikes. I have my other bike that I use for my errands - and I would never ask to bring that inside. But sometimes I'm out on a ride, and I need to pick something up. Usually just an individual item that would require me taking my eyes off my bike for about 60 seconds - a lot longer than I would ever leave the bike unattended. And I would never lock up my road bike - never mind the MAJOR inconvenience and impracticality of carrying a lock on a road bike ride.

Though your fancy dancy road bike may be precious to you, it isn't to the store owner. Get a lock and don't be a whining weight wienie; or ride home and get one of your "other" bikes.

Though your fancy dancy road bike may be precious to you, it isn't to the store owner. Get a lock and don't be a whining weight wienie; or ride home and get one of your "other" bikes.

Well I never thought I would say this but...

+1 ILTB

Though your fancy dancy road bike may be precious to you, it isn't to the store owner. Get a lock and don't be a whining weight wienie; or ride home and get one of your "other" bikes.

FYI, most employees I ask are more than willing to let me bring it in - and understand why I'm asking. Yeah, "fancy dancy" - yeah, you got it.

I try to patronize bike-friendly businesses when I can. When I went to get a haircut a couple of years ago, the barber, who turned out to be a cyclist himself, saw me locking my bike up to a lamp post and told me to bring it inside. He now has a loyal customer.

Don't know if I'm posting in the right area.

Ok, I'm always hesitant to ask if I can bring my road bike just inside a store. If I only need to pick something up quickly, I will usually give it a try. Today, for the first time, I got denied. The manager said no. Does anyone have an opinion on this issue?

My own only solution that works all the time:

My bike is VERY clean - almost always. If it is raining or snowing, it is highly unlikely I'm riding. And if it was dirty, I would never ask.

In a nice soft bag or hard side suitcase, the cleanliness, or even the condition, of the bikes I use exclusively now does not matter.



My original question was centered around road bikes - not commuter, mountain, or beater bikes.

There are other bikes types in the world. Don't be afraid to explore other options.


I have my other bike that I use for my errands - and I would never ask to bring that inside. But sometimes I'm out on a ride, and I need to pick something up. Usually just an individual item that would require me taking my eyes off my bike for about 60 seconds - a lot longer than I would ever leave the bike unattended. And I would never lock up my road bike - never mind the MAJOR inconvenience and impracticality of carrying a lock on a road bike ride.

Anytime that you are not beside or on your bike risks theft even with a lock nowadays. Either bring a riding buddy with you to guard your nice bike or get something beyond a beater that is mostly theft resistant-folding bikes. They run in the range of all bike styles-road, mountain, commuter, city bike, etc.-except they fold down and pack away with ease.

Hen House, I just walk right in. Of course, they don't have a rack, at all. Never been hassled once. However, I get lots of smiles and laughs when I check out. Note, I'm wearing normal clothes most of the time.

Walmart has an insecure rack off around the corner, they won't let me bring my bike in.

Guess which place I shop at more.

Hen House, I just walk right in. Of course, they don't have a rack, at all. Never been hassled once. However, I get lots of smiles and laughs when I check out. Note, I'm wearing normal clothes most of the time.

Walmart has an insecure rack off around the corner, they won't let me bring my bike in.

Guess which place I shop at more.

What do you do with your bike when you eat in a restaraunt, go to a house of worship, go to the movies, visit someone in the hospital, have an appointment with a professional person in aprofessional setting? Do you use the same bike parking criteria to select your doctor, lawyer or Indian Chief?

Sounds like a bunch of whiny prima donnas who most businesses would be happy to direct to their competitors.

My local grocery store has no bike rack.

One day I asked the manager about the possibility of adding one.

His reply - we don't plan on doing that (this is a brand new store, about 2 years old.)

Buttttttt, why don't you bring it inside and lock it up behind the customer service area, where it will be watched????? (right next to one of the entrances/exits)

He didn't have to suggest that twice, and nobody gives it a second thought when I bring it in. Frequently, I see more than my bike in there, and they are always neat and orderly.

What do you do with your bike when you eat in a restaraunt, go to a house of worship, go to the movies, visit someone in the hospital, have an appointment with a professional person in aprofessional setting? Do you use the same bike parking criteria to select your doctor, lawyer or Indian Chief?

Sounds like a bunch of whiny prima donnas who most businesses would be happy to direct to their competitors.

Well, we sure know who the thread cr----er is around here. Sounds like anyone who values their bike is a prima donna - report to the authorities for a proper lashing.

Slightly off-topic, but most businesses (and shopping centers around here) don't even have a place to lock up the bike. Even some of the major sporting dept stores don't have squat. It is pretty amazing. When I'm on my commuting/MTB bike, I have to spend 5-10 minutes just to find a pole that is adequately secured to the ground. I asked Dick's to add a bike rack and they said they had no control over it - the shopping center management was in-charge. It no doubt contributes to why everyone feels compelled to drive, even a few miles. One of the best ideas I've seen so far is bike lockers at certain stations along the DC/Maryland/Virginia Metro. Great idea - wish there was more infrastructure along these lines.

A lot of times I just don't bring a lock with me since I bring my bike into my office, so going to stores after work can be a little disconcerting.

I have, on occasion, grocery shopped with my bike, as in taking it into the store. Little weird at first, but people push around big ole shopping carts, baby strollers etc, so why not a bike?

There's even this one tiny liqour store I go to I bring my bike into. I just go in, don't stand around browsing too long, get what I want and get out. Haha, I even lean my bike on some bottles of wine slightly.

Also, there's this one supermarket with two entrance's and two security guards. One time I asked one if I could bring my bike in cause I forgot my lock... "No."

Went to the other side and just walked in. No problem.


Never, ever ask, unless you have some kind of special request.

If it's raining, snowing or blowing out, your bike is probably pretty dirty. I have never thought of bringing mine in a store. That's why I carry a lock.

I must point out that aside from one time when I forgot a lock the other times I've brought a bike inside (on dry days) was when there was absolutely nothing outside of the store to lock a bicycle to. So that's why I don't ask, hey you didn't provide bike parking outside, so I'm taking it is okay to bring my bike inside.

Interestingly when my boyfriend and I were at a store the other day and chatting to the owner, we mentioned we were cyclists, and he's like where are your bikes? And we're like locked up outside. And he said he always tells cyclists to bring their bicycles inside after having his own ride stolen.

Interestingly when my boyfriend and I were at a store the other day and chatting to the owner, we mentioned we were cyclists, and he's like where are your bikes? And we're like locked up outside. And he said he always tells cyclists to bring their bicycles inside after having his own ride stolen.

Yeah I've had this happen to me a few times. They get my repeat business

Well, we sure know who the thread cr----er is around here. Sounds like anyone who values their bike is a prima donna - report to the authorities for a proper lashing.

Slightly off-topic, but most businesses (and shopping centers around here) don't even have a place to lock up the bike. Even some of the major sporting dept stores don't have squat. It is pretty amazing. When I'm on my commuting/MTB bike, I have to spend 5-10 minutes just to find a pole that is adequately secured to the ground. I asked Dick's to add a bike rack and they said they had no control over it - the shopping center management was in-charge. It no doubt contributes to why everyone feels compelled to drive, even a few miles. One of the best ideas I've seen so far is bike lockers at certain stations along the DC/Maryland/Virginia Metro. Great idea - wish there was more infrastructure along these lines.

There you have it. We will design and redesign a parking lot to fit more cars but not many will even add a bike rack. Consequently my road bike never goes shopping. I have just learned to accept that the N+1 rule includes a bike for shopping runs. Yes it sucks but it is better than worrying about losing you good bike.

I don't get this desire to bring the bike inside. If I was a bike thief, I would "shop" for bikes inside the stores.

By the time you notice that I took your bike, I'm 5 miles away. By the time the cops get there (if they ever do), I'm 20 miles away and my new bike is safely locked to a light pole, railing or sewer grate.

Well, we sure know who the thread cr----er is around here. Sounds like anyone who values their bike is a prima donna - report to the authorities for a proper lashing.



OK Mr/Ms My-Bike-is-sooo-Dang-Valuable, WHAT do you do with your bike when you eat in a restaraunt, go to a house of worship, go to the movies, visit someone in the hospital, have an appointment with a professional person in aprofessional setting? Do you use the same bike parking criteria to select your doctor, lawyer or Indian Chief?

Or does fondling your precious bike trump those concerns?

This actually didn't occur to me until i tried to wheel around the drive-through at Burger King and was told i couldn't have it my way: service denied. I was tired and on my way home and just wanted to grab a bite of flame-broiled comfort food to take with me.

I wheeled it inside and leaned it against the "corral" for the queue. If it's not a vehicle, it can damn well come inside with me...

Edit: When i got home, i went to the BK website to look for a way to file a complaint/request a change in policy. After 10 minutes of futility, i gave up. Nowadays when i get the odd hankering for BK, i always take it inside. From the looks of the clientele, there's not a lot of demand for a bike rack, nor likely to be a traffic jam inside due to bikes brought in.

I've never had a problem at Target or Albertson's (a supermarket chain).

I dont carry a lock with me when I commute to work or school to teach because I keep my bike in my office or classroom, respectively. So if i have to make an emergency stop or pick up something on the way home, my only option is to take my bike inside whatever store I need to go in, but that happens on less than 5% of my rides.

If the place is to small to acomopdate a bike, ie. if they dont have shopping carts, I put my bike where I can keep an eye on it. If I cant take it in with me or keep an eye on it I don't stop. I would NEVER lock my bike with a cheep cable lock for any amount of time.

What do you do with your bike when you eat in a restaraunt, go to a house of worship, go to the movies, visit someone in the hospital, have an appointment with a professional person in aprofessional setting? Do you use the same bike parking criteria to select your doctor, lawyer or Indian Chief?

Sounds like a bunch of whiny prima donnas who most businesses would be happy to direct to their competitors.

WalMart and Hen House are right across the street from each other... it's fair for me to make the judgement that I'd rather shop at Hen House (note, this is only one of many reasons).

This actually didn't occur to me until i tried to wheel around the drive-through at Burger King and was told i couldn't have it my way: service denied. I was tired and on my way home and just wanted to grab a bite of flame-broiled comfort food to take with me.

I wheeled it inside and leaned it against the "corral" for the queue. If it's not a vehicle, it can damn well come inside with me...

Edit: When i got home, i went to the BK website to look for a way to file a complaint/request a change in policy. After 10 minutes of futility, i gave up. Nowadays when i get the odd hankering for BK, i always take it inside. From the looks of the clientele, there's not a lot of demand for a bike rack, nor likely to be a traffic jam inside due to bikes brought in.

LOL. That sucks. I've gone through Hardee's / Carl's Jr driver-thru before. Despite a few laughs, they were more than willing to serve me. I was seriously walling, and that cheeseburger was one of the best I've ever had! Of course, I think I paid for the grease about 10 miles later.

I have a hard time understanding how a scooter or motorcycle is a legitimate drive-thru vehicle, and a bike is not. Ridiculous.

WalMart and Hen House are right across the street from each other... it's fair for me to make the judgement that I'd rather shop at Hen House (note, this is only one of many reasons).

You watch movies in the hen house; and your doctor and lawyer have their offices there too? Convenient!

I always bring a lock with me but there was a resturant that allowed me to bring the bike inside. They got plenty of business from me!

I think alot of the fear comes from having to lock your bike unsecured on a bike rack. I too would be worried leaving the bike on a rack so I'll hide the bike when using a lock.

If u want to keep your bike buy some lockS.

personally i use the onguard 5021 Mastiff thats 5 1/4 feet long with 10 mm chain links. It weighs just under 10 pounds. My second lock is the onguard Akita armored cable 6 foot long lock 20mm thick. My third lock is a cheapo thin cable lock by bell from walmart. These 3 locks combined cost me less than $100 and will keep my bike MINE. If someone wants to come by with some power tools, 4-5 foot long bolt cutters, or a blow torch...and has some time. Then I guess it yours. But i really doubt this would happen where i live. Im guessing most thieves use small hand tools/tiny bolt cutters....and go after the bikes with 1 lock or a cable lock.

it would be nice if we could bring our bikes into every store, movie theater etc. But this will never happen. So get a bike rack and buy some locks that actually work.

edit: im even thinking of adding a 4th lock. An onguard U lock.

it would be nice if we could bring our bikes into every store, movie theater etc. But this will never happen. So get a bike rack and buy some locks that actually work.

The original post was aimed at, on rare occasion, bringing your road bike in because you need something along the ride. I guess I should have been more specific.

I agree 100% about buying good locks. Just as important, know how to properly lock up your bike. I almost never see bikes properly locked. Cracks me up when I see a U-lock only through the rim of a wheel - 99% of the time my bike is the most difficult target. I almost always take off my front wheel. And, just as important, my bike is probably worth $50-$100 - and looks like it too.

I realize that was the point of the thread. But to the person with the road bike...its just on occasion that they need to bring it in. but from the point of view of the store owners....its just some dude who wans to bring his bike in. They have no idea what the bike is worth, that u only want to bring ur road bike in and not ur other bikes, that its hard to carry a good lock on a road bike, that its just a rare occasion when u need to bring it in, how it feels to a bike owner to have to leave the bike outside and worry, even if it is locked etc etc.

I realize that was the point of the thread. But to the person with the road bike...its just on occasion that they need to bring it in. but from the point of view of the store owners....its just some dude who wans to bring his bike in. They have no idea what the bike is worth, that u only want to bring ur road bike in and not ur other bikes, that its hard to carry a good lock on a road bike, that its just a rare occasion when u need to bring it in, how it feels to a bike owner to have to leave the bike outside and worry, even if it is locked etc etc.

Yep, you are right. The employees usually don't understand. But, for me, they have mostly been accommodating. I basically have a few words, when asking, to convey all of what you just stated - that I don't have a lock with me and I would like to quickly pick up an individual item. A lot of times, if the view angle allows, I will prop my bike up right against the window (on the outside), keep an eye on it from just inside the store as I talk to an employee, and ask for help grabbing an item while I keep eyes on my bike. This is a good icebreaker - unlike requesting to bring your bike inside, this doesn't put the employee/owner "on the spot" and doesn't make you feel uncomfortable. They will almost always help pull the item while I wait up front, and many times they will say "just bring your bike inside against the window" so I can shop.

You watch movies in the hen house; and your doctor and lawyer have their offices there too? Convenient!

;) If there were two movie theaters next to each other, one of which had good bike facilities and one which didn't (presuming they were in biking distance for me). I would frequent the one with good bike parking. Ditto doctor's offices (however, the additional presumption beyond distance would have to be them accepting my insurance). :thumb:

As it is, I don't have that option for Dr's and movie theaters, so I have to work with what I have.

However, I get the point you're arguing. However, trust me, it's not an entitlement issue for me. If I only had one option for grocery shopping, I'd do whatever I needed to to make it work (including locking up to anything bolted down - though I would only take a beater bike if said thing happened to be the grocery cart corrals).

So, just to be clear, using one more example: All else being equal, you should always buy your bicycle parts from a chop shop that lets you keep your bike inside.

OK Mr/Ms My-Bike-is-sooo-Dang-Valuable, WHAT do you do with your bike when you eat in a restaraunt, go to a house of worship, go to the movies, visit someone in the hospital, have an appointment with a professional person in aprofessional setting? Do you use the same bike parking criteria to select your doctor, lawyer or Indian Chief?

Or does fondling your precious bike trump those concerns?

FWIW, those are not the type of activities I would ever think of riding my bike to, especially if I wouldn't wear bike attire. I limit my bike shopping to quick stops where I can bring my bike in without a hassle. At one convenience store on my route where I buy my newspaper, I do leave my precious bike outside unlocked. It's in a pretty safe town center (Dedham), I'm in-and-out in a few seconds, the store has a large window, and it's across a narrow street from the police station with cops going back and forth for coffee, and -- m'mm, doughnuts. :lol:

BTW, a BBQ restaurant in Somerville, MA called Redbones, has valet bike parking, though that wouldn't be my criterion to eat there.

FWIW, those are not the type of activities I would ever think of riding my bike to, especially if I wouldn't wear bike attire. I limit my bike shopping to quick stops where I can bring my bike in without a hassle.

Does that mean you limit your activities to only those places that allow you to bring a bike inside? Or you use some other means of transport to go anywhere or any place that doesn't accomodate your bicycle inside.

Seems that a bike is the equivalent to a ball and chain on the activities of a car free person who restricts himself like that.

Does that mean you limit your activities to only those places that allow you to bring a bike inside? Or you use some other means of transport to go anywhere or any place that doesn't accomodate your bicycle inside.

Seems that a bike is the equivalent to a ball and chain on the activities of a car free person who restricts himself like that.

Some people may not know good locking techniques. As you probably know, one good strategy comes from Sheldon Brown (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/lock-strategy.html). It requires 2 locks--a chain (cable) lock and a small or mini U-lock. You lock the rear wheel to the frame with the little u-lock. You use the cable to lock the front wheel to the bike frame and to your secure rack (or pole, tree, sewer grate, etc.).

Does that mean you limit your activities to only those places that allow you to bring a bike inside? Or you use some other means of transport to go anywhere or any place that doesn't accomodate your bicycle inside.

Seems that a bike is the equivalent to a ball and chain on the activities of a car free person who restricts himself like that.

Thanks for your comment. I will almost never allow my bike to be unattended away from home or my secure workplace, so I don't carry a lock. The bike is then, a ball and chain, and I just don't use it to run errands. Since I commute or train on the bike, I don't plan errands accordingly.

My transportation is otherwise pragmatic and I guess I would be considered car-lite. Boston is a great town to get around by foot or public transportation to get things done and a car is usually a hindrance, but can be useful on occasions. Also my workplace is in a suburban town center with a lot of services, e.g. barber, dentist, doctor, restaurants, etc within a few blocks. I'm originally from Michigan, and I have to think about how things are so different there and elsewhere in most of the country compared to the East Coast cities, and maybe Chicago, to be car-free.

Some people may not know good locking techniques. As you probably know, one good strategy comes from Sheldon Brown (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/lock-strategy.html). It requires 2 locks--a chain (cable) lock and a small or mini U-lock. You lock the rear wheel to the frame with the little u-lock. You use the cable to lock the front wheel to the bike frame and to your secure rack (or pole, tree, sewer grate, etc.).

Hi Roody, fellow Michigander,

See my reply to the post you quoted, #44 below.

On a number of occasions, I have been out on a 60+ mile ride and have needed to quickly stop by a liquor store to use the restroom or purchase some kind of drink/powerbar. During these times, I have always brought the bike in. I usually tell one of the workers that I don't have a lock and that I'll be in and out quickly. I've never had a problem doing this nor have I seen an employee miffed that I'm leaning my bike against a wall. If you're only there for a short period of time, I don't see any problem with bringing a bike into a business.

It's a completely different story when I have my other bike that I use to run errands. My commuter bike is much bigger (considering racks and bags) in overall volume than my road bike.

Just lock up your bike dude.... If its only or a quick trip inside the store then buy a U-lock or a chain to put through the frame and rear wheel and at least a cable for the front wheel. Should be fine for 20 mins. There, fixed for application in areas of high bike theft. ;)

I asked to bring my bike into stores a few of times (when I did not, for whatever reason, had locks), and usually was allowed to. But I actually prefer locking it; I don't like having to wheel a bike around a store (and leaving it unlocked near the front is not much better than leaving it unlocked on the street). The only exception is bike shops: I always assume I can bring my bike in, and so I do (unless the shop is obviously small and crowded).

I dont like the idea of locking the back wheel to the frame....and using a cable lock to lock the front wheel to the frame and post. I think thats a bad idea as cable locks can be cut with hand bolt cutters in less than 30 seconds and someone can toss ur bike in their car.

Why not just get a regular sized U lock or even the Long ones if needed.....and lock the back wheel and the frame to the post to be more secure? and then use the cable lock for the front wheel and frame as well?

securing the frame with only a cable lock seems really bad....sure they wont be able to ride off with it....but anyone with tools along with them prolly has a car/van/truck also.

I dont like the idea of locking the back wheel to the frame....and using a cable lock to lock the front wheel to the frame and post. Sorry, perhaps I should have been clearer. The first U-lock locks the frame and the rear wheel to a post. The post goes without saying. Then the front wheel can be secured with a cable, or with another U-lock (or taken off and locked to the post together with the frame and rear wheel). I would not suggest wasting a U-lock on securing bike parts to each other, leaving only a cable to lock the frame to a beefy external object. That makes no sense.

My utility bike stays outside, locked up at the grocery store's rack or some other rack.

My road bike ... I just bring it in. Never been stopped. It helps to smile at people. If an employee were to stop me, I'd explain that I'm afraid to leave it outside and would they mind if I lean it against a wall, out of the way.

Be nice, and you can get away with almost anything.

I wouldn't try it at Wal-Mart ... that's a pretty corporate, uber-control organization. I think Wal-Mart says no to everything.

I might try it at Sears, though, or Target.

I have done it at CVS, a corporate-owned drugstore, a number of times.

If it were raining, the bike would stay outside. Do bike thieves do their crimes in the rain? I wouldn't think so. I imagine they'd be on the couch, drinking a beer and smoking a thick one.