KSH, I understand your concerns about locking up your bike and leaving it outside. And that's IF there's a bike rack or post. The shopping center near me has neither.

I'm working up my nerve to ride my bike to Tom Thumb and rolling it through like a shopping basket, though! (I have a basket on the back of it.)

But -- I do ride to Starbucks and sit outside with my bike.

I do ride to the post office, push it inside with me. I prop it against the wall where I can keep my eye on it while I check the p.o. box and/or stand in line. They have never said a word to me about it -- pro or con -- which is interesting since I'm standing there in helmet, jersey and shorts!

I did try to take my bike into Subway (a large new one) where I hoped to prop it against the wall while I bought something, but the manager very courteously told me that no bikes were allowed inside because they create trip hazards and are dangerous. I was annoyed but I did understand his point and suggested he get a bike rack. He said he'd put in a request to his landlord because he had other cyclists who had to leave their bikes outside in front, as well.

I don't know how much difference any of this makes in the big picture, but for me it means a lot. And so I love the ESPN article!