Bike parking options
 

So I started work in my new location, and today was my first real ride to work day. The commute went well, but I was very glad I had done a test run over the weekend so that I didn't make any major wrong turns. There is still room for improvement, though, as I took a longer way around the Washington Monument, apparently.

My issue, as indicated by the subject, though is parking. I had casually checked out the bike parking situation, but I hadn't thought completely through the options and issues presented.

Dismissing the obvious and most preferred option right up front, I do not believe I can bring the bike inside, at least for now. Although my office is plenty big, security won't permit it, AFAIK. Once I get to know the guards better, I'll see what's what. Until then, I have a choice of three primary bike parking solutions. The first is a set of waves or inverted "U"s near the entrance to my building - I need to check to be sure which it is, but I think it is three or four "U"s strung out in a line, instead of parallel to each other. The second is a traditional upright wheel killing rack at the building next door, and the final is a traditional wheel killer at the corner of my building.

While this might at first seem like a no-brainer, it is worth noting the following: The rack across the street is completely under cover - exposed to the air, but deep under the building overhang, so protected from direct rain/sun. It is also in direct view of the bldg security folks at the parking entrance. The inverted U/ wave is exposed to the elements. Also, while I forgot to pay attention to how crowded it was today, I have noted the past couple of days that while it might not be completely full, it is definitely well used (max capacity of probably 6-8 bikes). No clear view by security guards, but pretty close to the main entrance, so hopefully not subject to excessive theft risk. The corner wheel killer is usually pretty empty, so I could probably get a space on the outside, thus mitigating the wheel bend risk, and it is also in view of the parking security, though not as clear a line of sight as the other rack. It is also completely exposed to the elements.

So: If it were you, which parking option would you choose?

Also: Having chosen the covered wheel killer, and not having an end space available, I opted to put the rear wheel in very tight, and lock the u-lock around the rear triangle. Is there a better option, given that I can't put it parallel to the rack, and I am unlikely to get an end space? I tried placing the front wheel over the rack, as others have done, but I think the clearance between the tire and the frame is too tight, and I worry about wear on the exposed cables.

TIA for any sage wisdom you can provide.

Sounds like you need to campaign for another bike rack being installed ..

explain to them about the bad design wheel bending low wheel slot racks.
even setting a bunch of steel sign posts in the concrete is better

saw a site where there were pictures of a bunch of signs that were intentionally nonsense, but artistically, professionally done..

so you won't need more real regulations to warrant another sign.

i've also seen a design of a planter box with steel rails, built in
to lock a bike up fitted on either side.

OK maybe under a shaded overhang won't grow sun hungry plants..

While true, this won't help me in the immediate term. The building owner is a large, bureaucratic organization which, while near and dear to many american's hearts and minds, will not take action on this type of request with any sort of alacrity. As such, let's assume I'm stuck with the options I've outlined. Of course, I can search for alternate facilities in other neighboring buildings, of course -- but most belong to one or another agency of the same behemoth parent organization. Although my location is Fairfax VA, think in terms of my workplace -- Washington DC :-)

Can someone show me what a "wheel killer" is?

a wheel slot rack no more than the lower edge of the wheel goes in.

some one leans against your bike, the rim is bent, , not repairable .. needs replacing.

Well John, can you come back on the weekend with a couple plastic 5 gal buckets
and mix concrete and pour your own buckets of concrete to put the legs of a bike rack into? ... like a squeaking wheel fixing itself..

won't be permanently installed but heavy enough to stay put.

I can't help you directly.. wrong coast.

"No parking" signs and the like make terrific bike parking. There's no bike rack at work, but no shortage of thick metal poles that are too high to lift a bike over (and they have a sign at the top, so the thief would also have to rip off the sign). I can see the one I usually lock my bike to if I just stand up from my desk.

Besides it's almost worth using them for the irony alone.

Try them all, except the middle of the slot racks. A bike that is always locked the same way in the same place is subject to planned theft.

Also, you could ask the security folks for input. They might have suggestions you haven't thought of, and they might watch out for your bike in particular if they can put a face to it.