FoldingNoob

So I'm new to the folding bike world, but had an unfortunate experience today. Rode my spiffy new Dahon Uno to the loop, and rather smugly folded it up, and carried it up to my office. Leaving this afternoon, I go through the revolving doors, and start the unfolding routine, and two security folks from the lobby of my building come running over to me (I swear, I didn't know they ever moved from that desk!) and tell me I can't have my bike in the building.

Anyone else have a similar run-in with building management? Their position is bike don't ever come in to the building.

Considering locking it up on the rack outside, but that just feels WRONG!

This on my 3rd commute!

Grillparzer

Talk with the building manager.

Bandera

Checking up w/ facilities management Before attempting entrance with any flavor of bicycle would have let you know that you will be parking outside with all the other vehicles.
Nothing odd about that or "Wrong". So much for smugness.
You did buy a good lock w/ the bike of course?

-Bandera

jur

Ask them by what written rule do they stand.

Get a thin nylon cover and just carry it in, covered. Just ignore them.

sunrisejack

What a drag. I suspect the rule exists for either riding a bike in the building or a full size bike taking up too much space in the elevator. When it comes to mass transit many train routes and ferries etc have made exceptions for folders. Perhaps logical discussion might yield favorable results siting some examples. I agree if you drape a thin cover and carry the bike I see it no different than someone dragging an airport size luggage to their office and that won't get stopped. Anyway sorry to hear about this! If I were commuting by bicycle with a folder I would push the issue as leaving it locked up outside wouldn't be cool. Go engage with building management and use some charm! :-)

FoldingNoob

Charm? I'm doomed

I did think of grabbing some sort of cover / bag for it; I'm sure it wouldn't get a second look from them then.

I have a ready selection of Kryptonites & cables from my other bikes, but it never even occurred to me that I'd be leaving a folder locked up outside... I guess next week, I'll have to take one with me; so those of you who commute with folders lock 'em up most of the time?

tds101 

Fold it, bag it, carry it. Case closed. As long as you cover it up there's no argument. I used to work at a fortune 500 building in Manhattan doing bldg security. If you comply with certain rulles/policies a folding bike is most definitely allowed.

Azreal911

just cover it up and pretend it's just a big workbag! carrying a bag is MUCH lighter than carrying a 5lb Ulock as well as risking it being stolen.

also DON'T fold and unfold it right in front of the entrance, cause security cameras give them a good long time to see what you are doing. I usually fold my bike like 15 feet off to the side of the entrance and then walk it straight through to the elevators quickly not giving them time to see even what it was. Security is farther away from our entrance so as long as you keep moving they can't see.

DAHON Bikes:*DAHON Accessories

grab that stoaway bag and you should be fine. if they ask what's in there then "it's computer equipment for your work!" I doubt they'll pry cause it's not different than people coming in with luggages.

oh one more thing my buddy had the same problem and build management was talking to him, he actually told them if they would accept responsibility if it was stolen hahah i was surprised he got away with it and they don't question him anymore. But this is a case by case basis so don't take that as word. he rode a my uno also.

FBinNY 

IMO that turns on the question "when is a bike not a bike". Once folded it's just an object you're carrying in, no different from all the other objects people carry into the building. It's not a bike until it's unfolded. I'd talk to the building management, or take it hrough the chain through your employer who is, after ,the actual tenant. If your employer supports you that should carry the day.

BTW- many cities have initiatives to encourage bicycling to reduce congestion or pollution. If you're in such a city, you might remind the management that their policy (especially as it applies to "no harm-no foul" folding bikes) flies in the face of that policy. There might even be an ordinance requiring support for bicycle commuting, and their no bike policy could result in a fine.

If all is lost, the last, and simplest option is to buy a bag for your bike, then it's just another nondescript bag.

bhkyte

Its simply stupid this sort of reaction.
No reationle behind it. Just something thats not typical, I dont know how to react........i know I will say its not allowed..........quick think of a reason.........health and saftey.......fire requaltions.........sercuity...........that should be OK.............
Excues me you are not allowed(to not follow the crowd)bring that bike in here(desipte its specially desined to reduce in size to be perfectly manageable) because we are secrurity(lacking imagination,tolerance or represent management that has these failing), and its not allowed because of (insert Ł&@?@& here)........

Put a bag over them opps the bike.

I had security guards that didnt like me using the road access on my skates and asked me to use the path that included 10 steps. Some guards would say I didnt need to another said I did. The ones that did took issue with me not stopping when they called me back after leaving via the road as the path gate was often locked anyway. The nexy time I visited the leased leisure club they came in and threated to ban me from the site. The lesuire staff said I had to listern to them. I said they were discriminating against me as cyclinst used the road routienly. They said they didnt even discriminate against black people. There is not point talking to some people. I was told there manager would not even listern to me and would just ban me. Cant remember how it finished I wasnt banned but I think I just continued using the road. Most security guards just waved at me as I arivied or left the site. The land was sold to the lesiure centre the clothing factory that owned the site went bust. I am sure customer service was a factor. I bought a jumper from there and realised I had been charged incorrectly before leaving the shop and unbelievably struggled to get a refund with out issues.

I think attitudes are changing but it may take a few years.

I agree, reason with them that its a perfectly OK thing to do. Ask what rule, precisely, you appear to be contravening. If this doesn't work just bag it. Unnecessary.

I spoke to a guy who air travel tours with 2 birdies. He just cling film wraps the bike. Security and bagging can see its a bike and hes had no trouble with this approach. If airlines can cope, surely building management can cope with the odd folding bikes. Car parks are provided often at great expense and you are saving a place.

FoldingNoob

When they stopped me to ask outside, if I just carried my bike through the building, the smart ass in my wanted to say of course not -- how could someone possibly take a bike through a revolving door? It clearly wasn't a bike at that point in time...

But then, I quickly realized my wit would probably not be appreciated.

Thanks for the links on the stow bag; I think I'll give that a shot; I really was hoping to not have to lockup outside.

bhkyte

Part of the definition of a bike :is a two wheeled in tandem. Most folded bikes don't have wheels in tandem. Its no longer a bike arguably when folded.

bargainguy

Sad to say, covering it completely is the only reasonable alternative.

Three years ago, my semi-custom Brompton M3L came from a fellow who bought it to commute to his job in Chicago's Loop. First day, he tried to enter his office building with the Brommie uncovered. Building security saw it, said "not so fast," said he couldn't take it upstairs. Since they were on to him now, they'd check his bags even when he bought it back covered up and the same ritual was repeated. Shortly thereafter, he lost his job and no longer needed the Brommie to commute anyway.

I got a great deal, but what a way to enter the folding bike world for him. Visions of multimodal commutes being zapped by overzealous building security.

fietsbob

sounds like Bagged up from day 1 is required.. like no 2nd chances to make a 1st impression.

kurtp13

Good advice IMO. One argument is that a rolling bike could make tire marks on the flooring, although the poster said he carried it. Even folded during rainy periods could potentially result in drips coming off the bike. Bagging would eliminate that concern.

FoldingNoob

Cheap $20 bag purchased from Amazon; Thin Kryptonite Cable also, in case I do have to lock it outside, I can tie down the seat post, etc... We'll see how it goes. Now to rearrange the laundry room to make a spot to stow the Uno so as not to disturb the Feng Sheui that SWMBO has established...

keyven

Good luck~

bikerwannabe

Would love to see some photos of folding bikes in bags. I bought an Origami Crane 8 and an Origami carry bag - but I cannot figure out how to get it in the bag or how to close the bag, even with the seatpost removed.

FBinNY 

Since the bag is from the same maker and specific to the bike, your best be would be to check the site for any images or videos, or otherwise email the maker so he can supply the bit you must be missing.

Ridefreemc

Read "The Death of Common Sense" and then cry. They don't make the rules they just interpret them and enforce them. It is VERY unlikely you can reason with them, especially since they have already laid down THE LAW (hard for their egos to backtrack). I'd go stealth and have no regrets, then if prohibited I'd go the next step to someone in charge of the building. Better to ask for forgiveness than permission in this case.

bikerwannabe

Yep - contacted Origami and waiting for response.
Just thought there might be some trick(s) I haven't figured out that others already have.

YoungGPS14

My B in a Dimpa bag.

[IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][/IMG]

Inside the office.

dadbar

Tell them its not a bike. It's a piece of office equipment....a dolly for transportation etc. The best way to fight irrationality is with an irrational response.

Ridefreemc

Update - my DW says give them chocolate.

FoldingNoob

Well, I researched the ins and outs of my building, and they do have 2 bike racks in the attached garage which are out of the elements, so I'm locking up there for now. I may get a cable lock instead of the Kryptonite, which is a bit tight in the Dahon "triangle" in the frame.

Figured I'll fight the carrying it in battle another time. Honestly am happy enough to just be riding in when I can instead of cramming on the El.

Next challenge is is winter cycling in Chicago, I suppose. Not sure I'm hearty enough for that!