bikaka

So what's the general consensus on chaining bikes to streetlights? My current work doesn't have a bike rack and the closest one in proximity is this streetlight:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/8402963...in/photostream

There is a brick building made up of smaller stores with which the light is associated with. I wouldn't really know who to contact regarding this situation since there doesn't appear to be a single authoritative manager. Also, since the parking lot is public, I'm guessing the streetlight may be too..?

If I park the bike on the grass so that it's not obstructing any path, could I still get in trouble and could they still take it away?

Thanks.

Blinkie

I'd be more worried that your bike is so far away from any sort of trustworthy traffic. I know it's not always possible, but *is* there any way you can take it in with you at work, like somewhere you can tuck it away (like a back office, broom closet with some free floor space, another sort of storage area, etc.)?

wphamilton

Does anyone ever go in or out of that gate? It doesn't look like it to me - no trail, weeds or something growing in front - so I don't think the bike would be in the way and I'd lock up on the lightpost.

In theory, yes on private property someone could make trouble for you and there's probably some ordinance against using public fixtures. But without there being an actual problem it's unlikely for anything to happen. I'd expect at worst to find a note on the bike some time.

SpasticSprocket

Unless you can take it in like Blinkie suggested, I'd say it's free game. If someone makes a fuss, apologize and tell them you'll find another solution to your problem. Also if I were you, I'd double lock it to be "double" safe. I've locked my bike to public/private fixtures all the time. The only place I've had anyone fuss about it is on one of our streets that's full of bars and restaurants and therefore very pedestrian heavy traffic wise. They get fussy about bikes in general on that street though.

MadCityCyclist

There may be local laws prohibiting the locking of a bike to a street post, but if it's a really, really good lock they'll have to call the fire department or take other extreme efforts to remove it which could buy you time to respond before they haul your bike away.

It's also possible nobody will care, as well as the fact that anytime a bike is locked up in the same place & time, the chances of it being stolen increases.