I'm fairly new to the bicycling scene with my first bike purchased less than a month ago. I'm a nurse at a hospital that is on the bad side of town. I love my work getting to help those who are less fortunate, but I'm hesitant to commute because of fear that my bike will get stolen. The only bike rack we have is outside in a dark lit awning on the side of ER where homeless and crazies are known to frequent, and I've never seen another bike there. I have tried convincing my manager to let me bring my bike up to the floor and put it in a closet or locker room but to no avail. I don't have a lock yet but do plan on purchasing one after I research to find something practical.

Also, what do most people do with their bike accessories when they lock it up? My work hours are from 7am-7pm and when I leave it's fairly dark in the mornings with the sun having yet to rise. I just bought a blinking rear tail light and a headlight that should help with safety when I decide to commute. Should I bring the lights, water bottle, saddle bag and everything except the frame and wheels with me inside?