SeanBlader

2 years ago now I started cycling again after 20+ years away. Shortly thereafter I started finding that the best time to do it would be on my commute. So I do the 33 mile(53km) round trip, during nice weather, 3 to 5 times a week.

Of course I'm not the only one. Of the several hundred people who work in the location of the multinational which I prostitute for, those who commute by bike put them under or next to the stairwell, well out of the way of any foot traffic. I've seen the occasional bike at one's desk, again where they are an inconvenience to no one. But after the 49 rider day we had for Bike to Work Day, facilities has kept the bike lockers, of which there are 30.

Now, because of a recent increase in staff, and a reduction in personal space, starting in September they are telling us that our local security personnel are going to be blocking us from bringing our bicycles into the building entirely. For reference here's my setup:


Now my daily rider is a rather pricy and much better bike than I am a cyclist, but I figure I'll either grow into it, or it will last me the rest of my life. But after asking facilities if the bike lockers and locks which they supply are insured, they state "Use at your own risk." So given that they are going to supply a lock that's worth less than a water bottle, and a dirty cobweb infested locker with sheet metal about as thick as a lunar lander, would you be willing to put a several thousand dollar bike in it?

JamesRL

The alternative might be to bring your own lock. One might assume that even if the sheet metal is thin, it is a deterrent during daylight hours when one might expect a reasonable amount of foot traffic in the area.
Is there a security camera nearby?

I did have an incident 20 year ago, when there was a transit strike and I rode to work. With a QR wheel up front, I locked my bike into a rack through the frame and front wheel. But when the day was done, I found my bike was gone and a rear wheel with a flat leaning against the wall.

Or you could buy a beater for the commute and keep your nice rider for the weekend.

Newt Reno

write a letter, point to universities and businesses that offer reductions in insurance for wellness program participation......ask them to install an internal, vertical bike storage space. You'd be surprised what a little letter writing can accomplish, especially to the right person.

RPK79

+1 on your own lock.

Can you tell what is in the locker when it is locked up?

DunderXIII

Buy two locks, at the least, and not cheap ones: kryptonite or more. Lock frame + wheel (front or back) to stand with 1 lock and the other wheel with frame with the other.

Then pray :-) at least it's in a locker.

spivonious

I can kind of see it from their perspective. Is the parking lot for cars insured?

What kind of bike lockers are they? Are they outside or inside the building? Are they accessible only to employees?

With such a healthy bike commuter population, I doubt theft would be an issue. Just bring your own lock and lock it up securely (through the frame and both wheels).

Leisesturm

You sound like a bright guy. Skilled in the use of words for communication and affect (sic). Given that, why should I have any sympathy for your predicament? You have gone out of your way to push every emotional button signalling your disgust and disappointment and entitlement. So...awwww... let's everybody say awwww. Yes, you had a nice little setup there. It sucks that that is going to change. Stop pouting on the Internet and update your resume and find another multi-national with a more progressive take on alternative transport. Or, if that is too challenging, do as others have suggested and modify the offered security options, or even bypass them completely. Work out your own storage and security arrangement. I mean... surely there are bike commuters who work for employers that do not even provide bike lockers? Ya think??

H

Newt Reno

jeez, he must have upset your internet, feel better?

gdhillard

I loved seeing my bike in my office. It helped me get through the day, and gave me perspective while I worked.

PaulRivers

Lol, seriously, "hi I'm here to whine on and on about someone else complaining about something that's a real pain - then insist they're the one whining!".

The Internet - where the "solution" to every problem is "quit your job any time the company does anything annoying whatsoever".

fietsbob

with a folding bike it can go under your desk..

A bag can hide it inside.

joeyduck

Can they install some bolt ring in the concrete to loop a cable or chain through then lock the bike with at least two locks.

How big are the lockers? Do you roll the bike in or hang it up? Can you post a picture?

Can you put your own lock on the locker? It is a locker assigned to you, am I correct?

If so could you do some modifications? Such as building an inner liner with wood, thicker steel, steel grate or cement board? I personally like that idea.

lost_in_endicot

I guess it could be worse- they could of installed a rack in front of the building and said "there you go." Or not have provided anything.

Buy a lock, and hope for a locker. Or buy a cheaper bike- one that you feel more comfortable in locking up out of sight.

gregjones

If your locker is assigned to you then you can get good locks and leave them in the locker. At 4 plus pounds each several locks and a cable can easily add up to more than half the weight of the bike. It would be great if you didn't have to transport them every day.

bbeasley

Nice bike!

Add it to your home owner/renter's insurance with a deductible you can tolerate. Use the locker and enjoy that sweet ride.

ill.clyde

You're new here ... it's his schtick

1nterceptor

Op, you can try leaving a better lock(your own) by the bike parking.
But the real issue is, are there enough space for all riders?

My set-up at work:
Brompton parked in the lockerroom by 1nterceptor, on Flickr
NYC office parking by 1nterceptor, on Flickr

Booger1

International prostitutes pay themselves well I see in the papers......Get a good lock or a cheap(er) bike.....or both......

CrankyOne

It's a liability issue and one you'll likely not get changed. If there is a fire drill (or real fire) or other emergency and someone either gets hurt by a bicycle in the way or is prevented from exiting in a timely manner, the company faces very considerable payouts that insurance will not cover. They also cannot likely allow it on a case by case basis and need to have a uniform policy. Sucks, but that's life.

Agree with above to write letters. Ask for safe secure storage. Note that parking space is costly to provide and that you're only asking for accommodation for you bicycle that will likely cost less. Also note the health savings from commuting. A study by Health Partners indicated that while the average employee costs about $250/mo in healthcare, those who regularly commute by bicycle cost less than $100. Maybe ask them to refund the $1800 you're not using.

FBinNY 

The real question is where the bike parking is and whether there have ever been thefts there. If the business is a campus type property, whit access restricted either by a gate, or simply by the nature of the property, then not much security is needed. Also if the bike parking is near a manned location, creating the image that it's watched (doesn't actually have to be) that's a major deterrent.

I use a light lock on my commuter because I don' have to leave it outside all day, but one of my regular stops has a large parking lot with a manned security booth. I lock my bike there, and the guard never fails to remind me, "I can't be responsible for watching your bike". To which I return, "please, don't say that so loud" and go on about my business. Since a potential thieves can't know that it's not watched, they leave it alone, and have for year.

Make a judgement call about the parking rules, and if there is an issue, get together with other bike commuters and speak to management about reasonable ways to make it work for all parties.

Leebo

Get a beater van, tow/ push/ drive it to the parking lot and leave it there. Put some serious poles/ bolts/ fixtures inside. Lock bike inside.

Newt Reno

and rent bike locking space.......I like your idea.

CrankyOne

Gotta say, I like this idea.

joeyduck

I also like this idea. But is parking free or paid? The van will likely some sort of insurance to be stored.

The lockers probably give better access than a parking spot.

linnefaulk

Lock most of it but bring the front wheel up to your desk. It will give you that motivation and no one can ride it off if they take it.