Originally Posted by
CliffordK
Well, yesterday, I just decided I didn't want to carry a lock that weighed half as much as my bike. So I left it at home. I had a couple of things planned not requiring a lock, then heading to the building supply store.
The bouncer (greeter) at the door pointed me to the rack outside. I explained that I didn't have a lock. So, he said I could leave my bike in customer service. I just didn't want to leave my new $1500 bike up there with no guaranteed continuity of people there. So, I just left.
I don't know if they changed policies. Never had a policy, or what. But my bike was clean and dry, and they have wide aisles where I would not have been any more intrusive than people pushing around monster sized carts with awkward loads sticking out.
Well, strike another locally owned local business off the "bike friendly" list.
For me it really depends on how long I'll be away from my bike. If it's a very quick in and out errand, I'm completely fine with locking up. If a stop requires more than a few minutes the bike goes in with me. I live in a college town just outside out of Chattanooga and bike theft lately has gotten worse. I've already had one stolen from a rack so I'm not taking any chances with my nice bike. Can't bring the bike in? Then I guess you don't want my business. I will note that most businesses in this area are aware of the growing theft problem so I've never had an issue.