Bike Locks Cut at Millenium Park by Management Last Night

If you are going to a concert or event, please be careful. Apparently there is a warning on their website but no notice at the site - they cut locks off bikes during the concert last night.

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Permalink Reply by Shawn Evans on August 26, 2016 at 5:00pm

From the Millennium Park Rules PDF dated 7/11/16:

"...concert attendees may not stand or dance in the aisles." What, no dancing? Oh, it's allowed on the concrete pad in the back.

"Park visitors are prohibited from using the restroom facilities and water features for bathing or personal grooming." I can't use the restroom sink to wash my face???

Nothing in there specifically about not locking your bike to a fence or they'll cut it off. Just the already cited admonitions to only use the existing bike parking, as well as the warnings that affixing anything to park property is prohibited.

Also: No napping in the park! This is verboten!

Permalink Reply by V W on August 26, 2016 at 6:35pm
Plus the barriers look suspiciously like bike racks. If you go to the Jewel by Kinzie and Des Plaines, for example, they have a bike lock up that looks exactly like one of those barriers.
Permalink Reply by Heather on August 27, 2016 at 11:01am

Just FYI, for anyone going to Millennium Park in the future, there are some bike racks on the east side of the Art Institute--as a fellow cyclist said to me as he was leaving and I was arriving, "Best-kept secret bike parking in the city!"

Permalink Reply by Yasmeen on August 28, 2016 at 3:15am

On Chainlink's Facebook page, a lot of people have commented there isn't sufficient bike parking which very well may be an awareness issue but if that many people feel this way, there's an opportunity by the Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events to fix it. In addition, there should be signage letting them know there's additional parking and warning them not to lock their bikes there (or the locks will be cut). 

They should update their website listing all locations for bike racks, warning people of where not to lock the bike and general bike rules in the park, and they should remove the bike parking facility as an option because it sounds like, based on the times and restrictions, it's really not a viable option. 

They really could turn this into a positive and hire a business to do bike valet for them on busier concert nights. They'd look super bike friendly, people would be more inclined to ride their bike, and all of us would be so happy our city is committing to a more bike-friendly experience, taking into account that many of us enjoy riding our bikes to city events. I'd be happy to promote these bike valet events and I'm sure there'd be a great opportunity to organize rides and meet-ups to these more popular concerts. 

Permalink Reply by Josh L. on August 28, 2016 at 4:40am

There is LOTS of bike parking at the outdoor part of the McDonald's biking center.  Even thought the center is closed for evening events, there are three rows of bike racks with probably 20 slots each. It is at most a 100 ft. walk from the Center to the Pavillion and I guess 3 minute walk to Grant Park.  There are guards all around this area so I think it's unlikely your bike will be stolen.

I have never seen these racks filled. Perhaps the other night they were filled but even at the Prince film this week - which is certainly the most I've ever seen the Park filled for an event - there were more than enough spaces. However as I entered closer to the South end of the park, I did notice all those racks on the outer edges were filled.

Below is a Park Map with my artistic markings in yellow showing where the McDonalds Center bike racks are,  Just think of it as some outdoor bike racks; don't worry about the "Center" part.  It DOES NOT MATTER if the Center is closed; outdoor racks are open.

Permalink Reply by Alex on September 1, 2016 at 6:57am

congratulations, Josh. You found more bike parking. A lot of people don't and haven't found it, and thus parked on those barriers and other things, then losing their bikes and locks. Even if there is more parking, it might not be as convenient as you imply. I had no idea that existed because for me it isn't intuitive to go to that location. People are locking up to those barriers for a reason beyond just being lazy or careless.

Permalink Reply by Josh L. on September 1, 2016 at 2:29pm
I am not sure where your snide tone comes from Alex but you sure are good at it.

Nowhere do I state or imply that people are at fault for not knowing about this parking.

Here's a clue - in the spirit of being helpful I actually spent 15 mins first on Google maps and finally on the car map until i found a clear map that people could understand. And yes that location is both convenient and easy to reach if you are going to an event at the main stage.

And if your reading comprehension is up to it read my first post on this topic where I criticize the lock cuts.

So the next time you decide to post a pissy message take a deep breath, exhale, reread the original po
st, then look at what you wrote.

I bet you will press delete.

You are welcome.
Permalink Reply by Josh L. on September 1, 2016 at 2:48pm
Excuse the few typos...I was on the EL.
Permalink Reply by Maurice on August 29, 2016 at 5:27am

When Millennium Park first opened, they routinely had bike valets for big events. 

Not sure when they stopped.

Permalink Reply by Joel on August 29, 2016 at 7:10am

This sounds like a case for 'Chicago's leading Bike Lawyer- Attorney Michael Keating' (see banner above)

Permalink Reply by Yasmeen on August 29, 2016 at 7:37am

:-)

Permalink Reply by prof.gfr on September 1, 2016 at 6:33am

My friend's bike was cut from a fence that night (Tortoise was the concert).  She lost a $60 u-lock and got no apology, just a lot of hassle from the park employees and security. To add insult to injury, once she recovered her bike they came after us on the lawn because no bikes are allowed on the lawn during concerts.  She told them she couldn't look it up because they had cut her lock from a fence on which there was no signage. Still no sympathy, so she left with her bike rather than leave it to get stolen.  

Very very poor communication.  Someone needs to meet with them and advocate for a clear policy, clear signage, and clear procedures. Is that the Chainlink as a bike advocacy group? Active Trans? Following for suggestions. 

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