I have yet to lock my bike anywhere because no place I've been has a bike rack. I never leave my bike outside, though -- I either take it in with me or I just don't stop.

It has been suggested that I lock it to signs or posts. If you lock your bike to something like that, do you do anything to keep it from getting scratched up?

The shopping center near me has huge brick pillars. No way to lock to them. But they do have handicapped parking signs. That seems rather awkward, though....