FLBandit

My company had a function at Chili's yesterday and being as I didn't want to miss my ride, I rode my bike over. It was a nice ride but when I got there I noticed there were no bike racks anywhere. This place is right by the Mall and none of the outlying businesses have racks. When I was a kid it seemed like there were bike racks everywhere. What happened? Anyway, I did get lots of attention for riding my bike the incredible distance of 5 miles to Chili's! They really freaked when I told them home was 10 miles away . It's funny, to me 10-20 miles is nothing. I guess to a non-rider it seems like alot.

jamesdenver

i use handicapped parking signs if no racks. provided they're securly cemented into the ground.

also heavy pole awning supports, handrails for cement steps. there's tons of things.

i don't even look for a bike rack, i look for the most secure thing in the most visibly secure place. often the bike racks are on the side of the building, and falling apart so i don't even use if they are there.

jamesdenver

also handicapped signs are always right near the door for good security, and every business has them.

just lock your bike to the opposite side of the parking space. i don't think your making anyone's use of the spot difficult, no one exits out the front of their car.

zjones

Most places have benches outside so people can sit while waiting for their table. I just lock up to one of those.

budster

I have to deal with this every time I get groceries. I usually lock it to a light pole (or other fixed object), with a sturdy cable lock. That way I get the frame and at least one wheel in the system.

Biggest PIA is Wal-Mart. Bicycle hell.

(Yes I know I shouldn't shop there, and I don't shop there often, but this is flyover land).

cerewa

I often find that if bike racks are available, they are still not the ideal lock-up location. One of the reasons for that is the fact that they're sometimes designed to encourage you to lock only your front wheel.

FLBandit

Yeah, I ended up locking to a light pole. Pretty secure as it was right in front of the building. Still, I have to wonder if more people would ride if it were easier to do.

rule

That is so like the man.

unkchunk

And even if they do have racks, there is a good chance it will be installed wrong. The Target near me has a "worm" rack that is 3 inches away from the building's wall. I have to lock the bike horizontally and take up the whole rack, but then I think I'm the only one to ever use it.

My favorite improvised rack is natural gas pipes. Even if it is in a hidden spot in the back of the building. I figure if anyone cuts through those and survives, they can have my bike.

Elvish Legion

Glad I'm not the only one that uses them .

A lot of times if I'm at a store I'll bring the bike in with me, if someone *****es about it I'll just remind them there is no secure place to store it.

supcom

As the old song goes:

Sign Sign everywhere a sign
Blocking out the scenery breaking my mind
Do this, don't do that, can't you read the sign

Fight back! Use the man's sign for your own purpose.

DogBoy

Pimple-face Quickmart Employee: "You can't bring that in here!"
Cyclist: "sure I can...see? its pretty light. I can carry it pretty much everywhere I go.."
Pimple-face Quickmart Employee: "umm.....uhhhh...I don't think you are supposed to bring it in here."
Cyclist: "Really, its not a problem at all, I just pick it up and carry it."

I read this response on here a while back. I haven't yet had the opportunity to use it, but I think it would be interesting to try.

Avatar

10-20 miles is nothing until you're SOL and run out of spare equipment.

rajman

I didn't realise it until I left, but the Toronto post and ring is one of the most elegant urban bike security solutions that I've seen. Get your city councillors to talk to toronto. They will sell the post and ring for $200, apparently. (which is pretty cheap if you've tried to price bike racks).

FLBandit

True! Still, my bicycle is easier to push (or carry) than my truck or motorcycle!!