i used to work at starbucks and I biked there everyday, until that is my bike and I were derailed. it was under condos and the bike rack was in the back next to the parking places. barring all else I have no qualms about locking my bike up to a parking meter, sign, etc. I don't lock my bike up to trees because 1. they are usually to big, 2. I think it is bad for the trees, 3. if the tree is too big it will be bad when I rough up the bark because I am trying in vain to lock my bike to it.