Bike Parking in the Loop

Need the advise of some of you that work on high-rises in the loop. 

Mountain biker here looking to get a commuter bike for a 30 minute bike commute to work. 

A few things top of mind that I would like to get insight on:

  • Is it convenient to park on the street? I see a lot of bikes parked in the street, but mostly low end clunkers or perhaps nice bikes that someone is looking after nearby.
  • Do parking garages offer bike options? I see tons of parking garages around, but seems way overkill to park a bike.
  • Do some of these bigger buildings have some sort of bike parking in the building that is worth asking management about?

If there are any other suggestions, please feel free to share.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by V W on April 25, 2017 at 5:21am
I work downtown and bike in daily. My employer offers indoor bike parking but I almost never use it because accessing it adds more time than I'm willing to add to the process of getting in. So I park outside, lock up well, and don't leave anything on my bike that could be easily plucked off. I make sure to check on my bike a few times a day, like if I take a break or go to lunch. I haven't had a problem yet, knock on wood. I also never leave it overnight or anything.
Permalink Reply by Alex Z on April 25, 2017 at 5:36am

I park my bike outside in the Loop at my current job and did the same at my old job. Both buildings have bike rooms, but like V W I found it too time-consuming to use them.

I've never had a problem. But I also ride an old road bike, not a flashy, expensive bike.

Agree you should remove lights, etc. (as you would anywhere).

I recommend at a minimum a U-Lock plus cable, so both wheels are secure.

I guess personally I would not leave a bike outside in the Loop all day everyday if I considered the bike, either for economic or sentimental reasons, irreplaceable. Otherwise, go for it! :)

EDIT: I have always had access to an actual bike rack outside my building. Not sure I'd feel comfortable leaving the bike all day downtown parked to just a street sign pole.

Permalink Reply by David Barish on April 25, 2017 at 7:24am

Alex and VW pretty much summed it up.  Lock with a good cable and U lock that gets both wheels and the frame.  Take anything that comes off...off.  I once had a bike stolen and it was my fault. I used a cheap, thin cable with a new york lock. What a dumb move. One snip and the good lock did not matter.  That was a long time ago.  Using a real cable and a U lock I have not had a problem.  I am on a very public corner and it will take a brazen professional to pilfer my bike. It can happen but so far has not.

Permalink Reply by Yasmeen on April 25, 2017 at 7:34am

Worth asking management about and worth getting a lower end bike you wouldn't be as heartbroken if stolen. 

I've heard parking in the same place is not good - people can scope out a bike and figure out the schedule of that bike.

Permalink Reply by Alex Z on April 25, 2017 at 10:17am

Interesting intel. I never thought of that.

Permalink Reply by Marcelo Marcos on April 25, 2017 at 10:26am

This is all really good info. Thanks everyone. Some of my suspicions were correct. I think part of why I haven't looked into the building's parking is because I know it will most probably result in something that is time consuming. 

Part of me wanted to get something on the nicer side but I guess its time to check out craigslist. 

Permalink Reply by Maurice on April 25, 2017 at 2:59pm

I too park my "low end clunker" outside with a U lock (no cable) practically every day, even though my building has a bike room. I've been doing it for many years.

 

The Loop needs more racks, tho.  At this time of year, they suddenly go from practically empty (yesterday) to completely full (today).

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