Advocacy & Safety - Businesses with no bike racks

Today I had to get 200 6"x9" mailing envelopes for a project we are working on. Staples is only about a mile from the office so I rode my bike. When I got there I discovered they had no bike rack or any place to secure the bike, so....

I walked the bike inside and wheeled it down the aisles while getting the envelopes. No one said anything to me and I didn't get any strange looks. :)
Have you ever done this?

Never did but a lot of people on bikeforums did it. I always can find a sign post (handicapped parking) or rack where I shop.

I used to ride my bike to the grocery store all the time. I just left it right next to those steam cleaners and stuff they rent. The things are locked into a rack that would also do well as a bike rack. Plus there was an employee tending the 5 or 6 self checkout lanes right next to it.

Today I had to get 200 6"x9" mailing envelopes for a project we are working on. Staples is only about a mile from the office so I rode my bike. When I got there I discovered they had no bike rack or any place to secure the bike, so....

I walked the bike inside and wheeled it down the aisles while getting the envelopes. No one said anything to me and I didn't get any strange looks. :)
Have you ever done this?
I have done this, at a convenience store many times because, I choose not to lock my bike outside. The only, marginally decent place, to lock it up is, a USA Today newspaper stand. When I have had to visit the county goverment building, they have one of the large bike racks so, I can lock my bike up safely. When I visit the hospital, I have to utilize one of the outdoor support beams, to lock it up. When I go to the local Ski Hut(www.theskihut.com), I can bring it inside with, no problem. When I go to the local library, I can make use of, the bike rack. When I go to the local K-Mart, I have to make use of the mechanical horse outside the store. When I go to any of the grocery stores, they all have bike racks. When I go to the local police to make a report, I bring the bike inside the station. If I have to go to another part of the station, I lock it up outside.

I almost always take my bike inside stores, but have never walked it down an aisle. In places like Staples (we have Office Depot here) I either place it in the area between the 1st and 2nd door (storm door and entrance door) or right inside where there is some space. Our local grocery is quite used to my bike being parked in the wide entrance way leaning against the tile wall.

Bike racks are almost always somewhere out of sight, hidden away to the side - perfect location for someone to either rip off the bike or accessories on the bike.

This is a VERY bike-oriented town, and likely the store manager also has a bike that he worries about also and perhaps does the same thing. Anyway, no one has ever complained, nor have I ever asked permission.

In smaller places like Subway, I lean it up outside against the window where I can continuously see it, and then choose a seat right next to the bike.

I think most bike racks are an open invitation to theft.

I've walked my bike into the grocery store on many occassions, and I've never heard one word about it,except for a few mentions of "nice bike". The way I see it, walking your bike down an aisle is no worse than walking a huge grocery cart down the aisle. I also bring my bike into class with me, too.

People take baby carriages into stores all the time. Why should bikes be any different?

I've taken mine into a convenience store located off a local trail. They don't have a rack, and they're probably used to this, being so close to the trail. I've brought it into a Subway, and not-so-LBS too. If anyone complains, I'll just take my business elsewhere. I was wondering if anyone's taken their bike into a restroom - I would hate to leave it outside, but I also hate bringing a lock on a rail-trail.

I was wondering if anyone's taken their bike into a restroom - I would hate to leave it outside, but I also hate bringing a lock on a rail-trail.

Sure, all the time. Those trail-type restrooms, and state park rr's, generally fairly large. I know of eight rr's that I take my bike into always, and I am not the only one.

of all the places I go to run errands on my bike, only the library, wal-mart and 1 out of 2 grocery stores have bike racks. I usually lock it up to a sign post or tree or bench. I try not to lock it to the handicap sign because if a handicap person parks there, my bike may be in their way.

I usually prefer to lock the bike up outside, but I wouldn't have any problems walking it inside, especially if there's no safe place to lock it outside. Like dnvrfox i wouldn't ask or even mention it. I'd just walk it in like I'm in charge.

I have done this, at a convenience store many times because, I choose not to lock my bike outside. The only, marginally decent place, to lock it up is, a USA Today newspaper stand. When I have had to visit the county goverment building, they have one of the large bike racks so, I can lock my bike up safely. When I visit the hospital, I have to utilize one of the outdoor support beams, to lock it up. When I go to the local Ski Hut(www.theskihut.com), I can bring it inside with, no problem. When I go to the local library, I can make use of, the bike rack. When I go to the local K-Mart, I have to make use of the mechanical horse outside the store. When I go to any of the grocery stores, they all have bike racks. When I go to the local police to make a report, I bring the bike inside the station. If I have to go to another part of the station, I lock it up outside.How is Stewart's? I'm sending my kid sister there to get an excercise bike.

Ive been following this thread pretty closely. Its got me thinking cause I keep thinking about riding my bike to do a few errands myself. Here in Huntsville, AL I dont think bike racks exist exept at schools. When I find a job I plan on moving close to where ever it ends up so I commute but then I run into the pre-existing problem of no bike racks. I guess Huntsville isnt really built bike friendly at all from what Ive been seeing in other cities.

Whats a good way to get more places to put up bike racks? Petitions, letters, buy them myself and donate them to the businesses, etc? Then all I would have to do is get a lock!

I have a list of bike friendly places that I do business with, some that are not friendly I do not do business with, that is the way that it is...

Most places where I live do not have bike racks. I will usually lock the bike up somewhere inside if I can and outside on last resort. If it is a beater bike then I will just lock it up wherever I can...

Most retail stores around here have bike racks. I have recently discovered that Lowes home improvement, as well as Home Depot do NOT have racks. Luckily they are very nice about letting my keep my bike behind the customer service desk while I do my shopping. With all the security cams, thats almost better than a rack, so I'm not complaining. My local neighborhood hardware store does have a bike rack.

I was just thinking again. Is it ironic that not even the LBS's are missing bike racks? Ill prolly go out of my way for the next week or so to look around for somewhere to lock my bike up at.

My LBS has a bike rack outside but also does not have a problem with me wheeling my bike inside while I look around. I've never actually taken my bike INTO a store when they did not have a bike rack. Recently, a Kroger in town did not have anything even remotely feasible to which to lock a bike, so I took my business elsewhere as I didn't feel like hunting around for a place to lock it up.

What LBS would have a problem with someone taking their bike inside? I can't even imagine that. As to other stores, the way you walk will have a lot to do with what you can get away with. You'd be amazed what walking confidently will do--the store employees are far less likely to challenge you because, like you, they don't know if it's banned either. But if you ask, the employees might say "no" just to cover their rears.

Here in New York the City provides free bike racks to just about anyone who requests them. Of course people also chain their bikes to parking signs, tree guards, fences and just about anything else that doesn't move.

I rarely carry a lock, so I just bring it into the bank, grocery stores and public restrooms. Nobody's objected yet.

Stacy

I bike to work and I park my bike in my cubicle.. nobody minds..

As far as grocery or restaurants, most of them have a gas hookup which means they typically have a gas meter and a gas line running to the back of the building. When I go food shopping, I typically lock my bike to the gas line, knowing that I don't think anybody is going to saw through a gas line (or if s/he does, I hope there's a spark).

Has always worked fine but then again, my neighborhood is pretty safe. Sometimes I just leave it lying on the wall when I go to my bank and not the drive through.

Jay

I rode my bike to the Dr's office which is in a office block connected to the hospital. I wheeled it in through the clinic waiting area to the elevators. A lady actually held the elevator door for me so I could get my bike in. I wheeled it into the Dr's waiting room and leaned it against the wall. The receptionist and office staff thought it was cool. The Dr. got the chance to vent about the locals racers who ride in his area every Saturday morning. But all-in-all everyone was all right with it. I had two more appointments and took the bike to each one. It was a much more satisfactory experience than driving around the already overcrowded dingy parking garage looking for a space for 30 minutes. If anybody said anything about it being dirty and such, I was going to say it was not any dirtier than my shoes would be if I had walked and point out that I kept it in the living room at home. I also would dare them to find any dirt on it, I had just cleaned it so the frame and chain were immaculate. I have on occaision kept a bike or two in my office overnight but I deal with most of my clients/supervisors by email or phone, so few would even know I had a bike there anyway. If it was going to be there regularly, I probably put up one of those racks to hang ot by its front wheel on the wall.

I ride to the butcher shop regularly and either prop my bike outside against the window if it's my old bike. My new one I take inside and prop it against the wall. The butcher has named my bikes after various horse from the 1950's TV shows and always asks me how they are and who I rode today.

I brought my bike inside a local Tim Horton coffee shop recently. They served me but questioned why I had the bike inside. I told them it was because the store lacked a rack to secure my bike. They told me not to bring it in the store again. I replied that wouldn't be a problem because I wouldn't be patronizing them again. Around here, most businesses do not have bike racks. Even the administration buildings of the local public school board, which I work for, has no bike rack. Fortunately, the detention centre I teach in allows me to bring my bike inside and lock it in a secure area.

I always take my bike into the grocery store. I normally leave it between the two sets of doors if it is the mt bike or my old commuter. If I am riding my race bike however, I will walk the isle with it. I try not to do this much because my race shoes are hard to walk on tile with then anything else. Once on a long training ride, I stopped at a small grocery store for some snacks and water. Manager pointed out that I couldn't have the bike in the store because "it was tracking up his floor" no problem, I slung my Cervelo over my shoulder and continued shopping. I could tell he wasn't happy but he couldn't think of a thing to say. At 16 lbs no big deal. Wouldn't want to try that with the steel frame fuji and trailer though.

I was yelled at for taking my bike into a grocery store here in Pittsburgh a few weeks ago. A friend of mine ended up complaining via the website (something I hadn't even thought to do) and got a call back within a few hours apologizing for the manager who yelled at me and saying that not only was it fine to take my bike in but that they'd make sure to call the store and let every employee there know it.

I thought that was about as good a response as I could get. I can't wait to take it in today (I go to the grocery store to deposit checks for my office as part of my daily routine).

When I worked in Ottawa, I was able to bring my bike up into my office. My 2 other coworkers (and sometimes a 3rd) would do the same thing so on any given day there would be 3 bikes in our part of the office!

An LBS I frequent near my work has their bike rack inside the store, by the front window. Very good shop and very friendly people! Cosmic Wheel in Ridgefield Park, NJ if anyone's wondering.

Good thread. I usualy have no problems bringin my bike into shops, but recently I have been getting trouble from the two post offices in my area. So I guess this is a US question only ;) .

They tell me that bikes are not allowed in the post office, although I can see no signs. The real kicker is that neither have a bike rack outside. When I mentioned that to the post guys, they just say that it is not in the budget. Does anone know if there is a rule that bikes are not allowed in federal buildings, or is this just them being jerks? Anyone know of a list of laws like that that I can show them if I need to bring my bike into the post office again?

most places near me dont have racks so i usually lock it to a post. but if doing something quick like the atm i bring the bike inside. nobody usually cares, they are nice and hold the door open. never brought it into a store. usually i prefer to lock it up so i dont have to wheel it around. but i know most stores dont care as long as u dont block traffic or anything.

My work doesn't have a bike rack, but they're fully understanding of me bringing my bike inside and parking it in one of the empty cubicles. As a matter of fact, they completely expected me to do so when I got the bike. I have to say my job is probably the most understanding group of employees I've been associated with. A lot of places around here have poles, benches, trashcans, etc that I can lock my bike up to... Wal-Mart around here is usually the worst about not having anything worthy of locking my bike up to, but I can usually find SOMETHING. As far as the post office goes, I never go to the post office so I have no idea as to why they wouldn't allow you to bring your bike inside.. seems a bit crazy to me. Maybe they're afraid you've got a bomb in the frame tubes. lol

Good thread. I usualy have no problems bringin my bike into shops, but recently I have been getting trouble from the two post offices in my area. So I guess this is a US question only ;) .

They tell me that bikes are not allowed in the post office, although I can see no signs. The real kicker is that neither have a bike rack outside. When I mentioned that to the post guys, they just say that it is not in the budget. Does anone know if there is a rule that bikes are not allowed in federal buildings, or is this just them being jerks? Anyone know of a list of laws like that that I can show them if I need to bring my bike into the post office again?

Just them being jerks I think. I bring my bike into post office lobbies all the time and have never had an incident. No problems with federal building either (I work in one).,

Today I had to get 200 6"x9" mailing envelopes for a project we are working on. Staples is only about a mile from the office so I rode my bike. When I got there I discovered they had no bike rack or any place to secure the bike, so....

I walked the bike inside and wheeled it down the aisles while getting the envelopes. No one said anything to me and I didn't get any strange looks. :)
Have you ever done this?

I've done this at a few fast food places. McDonalds kicked me out, but KFC always lets me go in.

I used to take my folding Dahon into Queens Center Mall until one day their ignorant head of security (dressed up like R. Kelly in that video Step in the Name of Love, seriously), told me I had to leave. I said, "I come here all the time" and he called back up and said, "You better not come in here wit' dat again!" So I left all pissed off. Did I mention it was a folded up Dahon bike?

I took my bike into Bank of America a few times too, but left in on the side, they never said anything either.

I think it depends on the manager in charge at the time. Some people are cool, others are a-holes.

and they have no reason to be jerks... why does it matter to them if you bring a bike in as long as you're patronizing their business and being a good patron overall. You're not causing any problems, not stealing anything, and not disrupting anything. Businesses that object to you bringing your bike inside without them offering a feasible alternative probably don't deserve your business anyway.

if there is no rack, i park it inside, after asking for permission. If I don't get permission, I just go elsewhere.

Kinda think the Post office thing may be a local problem

I take mine into the FT Lauderdale branch PO where I have my mail box.

NEVER a comment about it and others do it also

When the local hi end mall, The Galleria was being rehab'ed I went into the mall

office and asked if there were going to be bike racks. Women at the desk said she

didn't know, "Would I wait while she called the mall manager?. I did, he told her they

were on order and would be installed INSIDE UNDER COVER, before the place had its

reopening celebration. Sure enuf, they are now installed, inside and under cover

You people take your bikes INTO the grocery store? HAHAHAAA, how do you get enough groceries? What is wrong with everybody? If there isn't a bike rack, you lock the bike to itself, and go get stuff done... There usually is going to be something nearby to lock to, anyway. I live in a major metropolitan area, and don't think I've ever seen anyone walking around a grocery store with a bike, they all get left outside.

There must be some delusional gas out there that makes people think there are thieves lurking around every corner to swoop in and steal their bike. For a theft to occur - agent, object, and opportunity need to come together. I lock my bike always, but if you're running into a convenience store, "lock" it with your helmet. Buy a light cable lock and keep it wrapped around the seatpost for quick trips of short duration, no need to lug the U-Lock. Overnight trips to a friends place, different story, or a night out at the bars - U-lock to immovable object.

Buy a beater bike for errands and trips to the store. Put a big Wald basket on it. Lock it to itself. But, don't take it inside.

On the flip side, I had a Specialized stumpjumper comp stolen once outside where I worked. But that didn't get me paranoid enough to take my bike into the hardware store so the clerks could babysit it.

Get real, people. Leave em outside.

"lock" it with your helmet. Buy a light cable lock and keep it wrapped around the seatpost for quick trips of short duration, no need to lug the U-Lock.

are u saying just put a lock around the wheels? cause u do realize if that is what ur saying a thief just has to pick it up carry it home and cut the lock once there. that can be done in two seconds when u run into the store lol. then again i guess if it is a cheap toys r us beater who cares, but if u do that with ur specialized it wont be as pretty.

You people take your bikes INTO the grocery store? HAHAHAAA, how do you get enough groceries? What is wrong with everybody? If there isn't a bike rack, you lock the bike to itself, and go get stuff done... There usually is going to be something nearby to lock to, anyway. I live in a major metropolitan area, and don't think I've ever seen anyone walking around a grocery store with a bike, they all get left outside.

There must be some delusional gas out there that makes people think there are thieves lurking around every corner to swoop in and steal their bike. For a theft to occur - agent, object, and opportunity need to come together. I lock my bike always, but if you're running into a convenience store, "lock" it with your helmet. Buy a light cable lock and keep it wrapped around the seatpost for quick trips of short duration, no need to lug the U-Lock. Overnight trips to a friends place, different story, or a night out at the bars - U-lock to immovable object.

Buy a beater bike for errands and trips to the store. Put a big Wald basket on it. Lock it to itself. But, don't take it inside.

On the flip side, I had a Specialized stumpjumper comp stolen once outside where I worked. But that didn't get me paranoid enough to take my bike into the hardware store so the clerks could babysit it.

Get real, people. Leave em outside.

if you lock a beater bike to itself out here, it will get stolen. Never underestimate the tenacity of druggies. I've seen druggies carrying bikes with the locks still on them....they wont give up if they think it will buy them their fix.

Cables dont work out here, period. Chains are somewhat effective for short stops though.

Today some guy left his beater outside of the church the voting polls were at...he came back in less than a minute after asking for a phone...his bike got ripped off, they clipped his cable. Keep in mind this was a very old (1970s i think) bike, and was prolly only worth about $50 at most.

I have never had a problem with bringing my bike inside any store. I get a few weird looks now and then, but most people don't pay it any mind. I have found two things work very well. First is ask permission. Most small stores and places where there is a customer service desk right up front will usually be okay with either you leaving the bike there or walking around. If there is no one around to ask (mall, big store, busy, etc.) I find that if you just walk with an air of confidence, like you know it is okay, and you have done it before, most people will not question you. Oddly enough, one of the malls in my area doesnt have a bike rack, so I will just walk around with it...never been a problem before.
I respect people's opinion and never want to cause a scene so if there ever is a problem I usually just say thank you and leave. Usually if there was something I REALLY needed from that place, I will come back later with my truck. I would consider my city very bike friendly though, and down here in the South things like a bike in a store are not really THAT out of place. That's just my 2 cents.

Keep in mind this was a very old (1970s i think) bike, and was prolly only worth about $50 at most.


funny u mention older bikes. my uncle had a couple of older bikes that were in pretty bad condition that he put a cheap chain from the hardware store on it with a lock around it. each got easily stolen. one time he had it in my backyard unlocked went into the house for a bit and someone stole it. yes someone walked into my backyard and took his bike. lol the joys of living in the city. i learned from him, use better locks than the cheapo hardware store ones and dont usually leave my bike unattended and have so far been rewarded. but funny the extents people will go to in order to steal a bike huh.

I've pretty much narrowed it down to some humans will steal anyhting if it's not locked down, even a whole stack of free newspapers...just because they can.

So I build my lock scheme around that.

Most thieves in my area are lazy.. if it's locked, they won't bother with it... but if it's not locked down, it's gone no matter what it is. It's like if you have something that you want to get rid of but the garbage truck won't take it.. leave it out front so the theives will "steal" it. :p

Most stores here have bike racks outside. If not there is usualy a fence or something else that can be used to lock a bike on.
I don't think I've ever seen anyone take a bike inside a store.
If I have to go somewhere where I think a nice bike could get stolen (like the station)
I just take my old bike.

I was b#tched at a few weeks ago by someone at my local Safeway. I habitually stop in on the way to work to pick up lunch stuff.

I pretty much told them if they had something decent/secure to lock up to outside, I'd use it. Until then, I'll either bring my bike inside, or take my business elsewhere. Worked like a charm, and no one has bothered me about it since.

I've taken it into all sorts of places. Groceries, coffee shops, delis; most don't seem to mind for the short term.

Interesting thred. The City of Virginia Beach has recently gone through the process of developing a comprehensive "Bikeways & Trails Plan"( http://www.vbgov.com/dept/parks/design/0,1457,9541,00.html ) the plan adressed secure storage for bikes at destinations and intermediate points along the system.

I feel bike security facilities should be made part of the building codes, just as parking lots and landscaping are.

I wish it was too, such as any parking lot should have "XX" amount of vertical bike lockers availible. The bike lockers can be similar to the shopping mall lockboxes you see in most malls...dop in some cents after you put your bike in, turn and remove the key....and when you come back, unlock it, and go.

Given, there will most likely be some jackarse that will use the lockers in a seedy area to hide bodies or something, so it might be a good idea to keep the lockers in a more publicly viewable place, and not some dark alley.

funny u mention older bikes. my uncle had a couple of older bikes that were in pretty bad condition that he put a cheap chain from the hardware store on it with a lock around it. each got easily stolen. one time he had it in my backyard unlocked went into the house for a bit and someone stole it. yes someone walked into my backyard and took his bike. lol the joys of living in the city. i learned from him, use better locks than the cheapo hardware store ones and dont usually leave my bike unattended and have so far been rewarded. but funny the extents people will go to in order to steal a bike huh.

I once had a cheap wally mart bike I kept chained on my second floor balcony that was only accessable from the sliding glass doors of the apartment (unless you climbed up the wall). One night I heard a crash outside and when I looked found my bike hanging by the chain on the outside of the balconys rail and a glimps of someone beating feet away from the scene.

So yeah it is strange the extent some folks will go to to steal a pretty worthless bike.

I once had a cheap wally mart bike I kept chained on my second floor balcony that was only accessable from the sliding glass doors of the apartment (unless you climbed up the wall). One night I heard a crash outside and when I looked found my bike hanging by the chain on the outside of the balconys rail and a glimps of someone beating feet away from the scene.

So yeah it is strange the extent some folks will go to to steal a pretty worthless bike.

I would have found it nearly impossible to keep myself from busting my gut laughing at the idiot who actually tried stealing a wal-mart bike from a 2nd floor balcony. jeez

I wish it was too, such as any parking lot should have "XX" amount of vertical bike lockers availible. The bike lockers can be similar to the shopping mall lockboxes you see in most malls...dop in some cents after you put your bike in, turn and remove the key....and when you come back, unlock it, and go.

I think bike lockers are a great idea for places where you will possibly be spending a lot of time (Mall, movies, etc.) I would have no problem at all paying a nominal fee to no my bike is a little safer. I think there is definitly an "out of site out of mind' factor there. There is a bike locker system in place at our City Hall that gets regular use...if you know where to find it. Unfortunatly it is in a dark garage area. I wish they would make these a more prominent feature.

I would have found it nearly impossible to keep myself from busting my gut laughing at the idiot who actually tried stealing a wal-mart bike from a 2nd floor balcony. jeez

Funny you say that. My wife and I just had that argument a month ago.

I was talking about how uncomfortable I was taking my Trek 1200 to the store or anything, and explained to her that that was why I wanted to keep my Schwinn sidewinder (Wal-Mart MTB), for going to the store and such, since it was less likely to get stolen.

My wife said (and this is from someone who is a total non-cyclist) that most average people see bikes, not brands, and a nice looking bike in good condition is a target to the average idiot who'll steal a bike regardless of the brand and she thinks most people stealing bikes don't know one brand from another.

I imagine there's a grain of truth to that, but the fact that someone would get up on to the second floor balcony to steal a DSB kinda bears out what she's saying there.

I don't know why people like bike racks?? I fear bike racks big time for the following reasons.

1. Kids use bike racks - I hate to say this but if you leave your bike next to one that is used by lots of kids, you're looking for big time trouble. Most of their junk bikes cost about as much as my front wheel! Kids destroy and vandalize bikes.

2. Junk bikes only - At train stations, you'll only find junk only bikes. Even a Trek 1000 would never be seen at a train station bike rack. Why? People steel bikes, wheels and seats on those racks by the truck loads. If you like using bike racks, only park your most beat up Huffy. I've seen at least two bikes get their rear wheels removed in front of my eyes! Racks are great places to steal parts -- A robber can spend lots of time working to get your bike without anyone even paying attention because they look to be attempting to fit it. A bike rack says, "Here's my bike, my lock is strong and I dare you to steal or vandalize it"!

The best place to park your bike is far, far away from where anyone can find it. If you can find a pole behind a bush or the back of a parking lot, that's even better. Don't park it near the bus stop or an entrance because the kids usually public transportation.