Locking Your Bike

[xeney]

It seems like it would be a pain in the neck to take your bike inside with you all the time. I lock mine outside all the time, but I have two older bikes specifically for riding/locking up around town. We got rid of the quick-release bolts on my mixte so I don't even bother carrying an extra cable for locking the wheels. (Not that my wheels are worth stealing, they would just be very hard to replace.) I just started locking the helmet to the bike and that is so much easier than dragging it around.

But do remember to take everything removable off your bike. I forgot to remove my headlight today while I was in the store, and some jerk stole it. (Anyone know where I can get a silver Cateye EL-200 or EL-210? I have only been able to find the black ones, and silver looks better on my bike. Hush.)

[Lifesgreat]

Being an elected official, I am going to take a political angle on it. Ask your town council and/or downtown association to install bike racks. There may be money available somewhere. Also, ask your city planning staff to consider writing an ordinance that requires bicycle parking on certain types of development where people may be inclined to ride. Gently nudge your elected officals into a better understanding of cyclist's needs.

My 2 cents.

[pooks]

I read on bikejournal that the police in our town are notoriously NOT bike friendly. I also know we have a great bike/hike trail that public officials have said on the record is "mainly for people walking, anyway" and they won't post any signs about bicycle safety, etc.

But it doesn't hurt to try!

What I'm going to do that I think might be more helpful is contact the management company that handles the particular shopping area near me. They might be more open to requests, especially since the manager of Starbucks and Subway both told me that they would also put in requests.