New Cycle Center Location?

We've been running the McDonald's Cycle Center in Millennium Park for over 10 years now and we get requests to open new locations almost daily. If we were to expand in Chicago, where would you like to see another location? Also, what amenities would you like to see?

For more information about our facility in Millennium Park, stop by 239 E Randolph, message us, or head to http://bikeandpark.com/city/chicago/become-a-member

Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Jenny on December 16, 2014 at 3:57pm

Union Station. Good to catch bike traffic streaming into the West Loop, plus it seems some of the office buildings in that area (including my own) are less likely to have showers than the fancier buildings in the Loop.

Permalink Reply by Millennium Park Bike Station on December 17, 2014 at 9:34am

Looks like Union Station is dominating. These are great ideas...I think we can agree that a combo shower/locker/parking facility similar to Millennium Park would be the the best framework in an ideal situation. We'll see where this progresses.

In the meantime, keep the discussion going! What would you like to see in a Cycle Center that might make it easier to commute or cycle in the city? One great aspect of the McDonald's Cycle Center that has has developed over the years is the camaraderie of the fellow cyclists. Definitely not something that can be planned, but a great help in keeping everyone riding.

Thanks!

Permalink Reply by David Barish on December 17, 2014 at 11:12am

I would love to see something near the Daley Plaza but you may deem that too close to Millenium. When Millenium first opened there was a daily fee and I recall buying 10 use passes.  I recall it going to subscription and I have not been back. I commute but not on a daily basis. I would be interested in a facility that  had day passes or 10 use passes.

Permalink Reply by Millennium Park Bike Station on December 17, 2014 at 2:30pm

We do have day pass options available at the McDonald's Cycle Center. Currently, they are $3 to use the either the showers OR parking, or $5 to use the showers AND park a bike for the day. 10 pass tickets are available at the front desk, as well.

More pricing info can be found here: http://bikeandpark.com/city/chicago/become-a-member


David Barish said:

I would love to see something near the Daley Plaza but you may deem that too close to Millenium. When Millenium first opened there was a daily fee and I recall buying 10 use passes.  I recall it going to subscription and I have not been back. I commute but not on a daily basis. I would be interested in a facility that  had day passes or 10 use passes.

Permalink Reply by Travis Kluska on December 17, 2014 at 6:39pm
I would like to see a bare bones pop up bike valet in the interim until something more permanent is established at union station. My most pressing concern is to have a safe place to leave my bike for 8 hours while at work.

Matheis said:

Union Station and all other major transit hubs. It would be beneficial not only for nearby office workers but also people using Metra and Amtrak. Ideally it would be open 24/7 and accessible from the outside, even if the rest of the station is closed.

I was just in Amsterdam where there are plenty of attended bike parking garages. I used a basic one which was setup as a simple 24/7 attended bike valet (no showers or amenities). You checked in with the attendant who tags your bike, and when you come back they check the tag to make sure it's yours.

Even if you don't have enough funds to build showers and all the amenities it would still be incredibly useful to have a basic attended valet service.

Keep up the good work!

Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on December 19, 2014 at 9:03am

Redeye links to this thread!



Millennium Park Bike Station said:

Thanks for all the responses. It's great to see people are interested in another Cycle Center! RedEye picked it up here: 

Permalink Reply by Skip Montanaro 0mi on December 19, 2014 at 9:46am

I used the MPBS one year (maybe right after you opened). I work on the other side of the Loop though. It was a bit inconvenient to ride in (all sweaty in the summertime), get all showered and freshened up, then hop back on my bike to cross the Loop to the office. At the time, there was lots of hubbub about how safe the MPBS was (ISTR some thefts from the basement parking room). An alternate location in the general vicinity of Sears Tower or Union Station seemed like a good complement to the original location. If Union Station isn't an option, perhaps there is some subterranean space in Ogilvie. Park your bike, stop at the French market for an espresso and croissant, then walk to work. What could be more civilized? :-)

That said, I have a shower-only membership at the health club in my building (Hyatt Center) these days, so I wouldn't be a user of a new location.

Permalink Reply by Peter Taylor on December 19, 2014 at 9:55am

I always hear people clamoring for secure bike parking near rapid transit lines.  There is an opportunity, if the concept was scaled down to available real estate to place a facility down each of Chicago's main transit lines.  It appears the RTA agencies are not going to step up and do this probably because it is considered contrary to bus ridership.  Self service doesn't seem to work because people monopolize the racks and every one I've seen is an inefficient use of space unless it is extremely high tech.  Besides what's wrong with creating a couple of jobs in a neighborhood.

Travis Kluska said:

I would like to see a bare bones pop up bike valet in the interim until something more permanent is established at union station. My most pressing concern is to have a safe place to leave my bike for 8 hours while at work.

Matheis said:

Union Station and all other major transit hubs. It would be beneficial not only for nearby office workers but also people using Metra and Amtrak. Ideally it would be open 24/7 and accessible from the outside, even if the rest of the station is closed.

I was just in Amsterdam where there are plenty of attended bike parking garages. I used a basic one which was setup as a simple 24/7 attended bike valet (no showers or amenities). You checked in with the attendant who tags your bike, and when you come back they check the tag to make sure it's yours.

Even if you don't have enough funds to build showers and all the amenities it would still be incredibly useful to have a basic attended valet service.

Keep up the good work!

Permalink Reply by Eric Peterson on December 19, 2014 at 12:42pm

I too have used MacDonald Cycle Station, leaving my bike there then walking 1.25 miles back to Wacker and Adams. Which meant then walking back there after work, and then riding across the Loop at rush hour. This must have added 45 minutes or more to my commute.

I hope we can keep this thread going and get more people involved!

I am working to get out the message about this at my place of work.

Julie Hochstadter said:

Redeye links to this thread!



Millennium Park Bike Station said:

Thanks for all the responses. It's great to see people are interested in another Cycle Center! RedEye picked it up here: 

Permalink Reply by Mike Murray on December 20, 2014 at 1:04am

Sure do appreciate your service.  I live in the suburbs and take the train downtown with my bike for concerts at the Pritzger and Cultural Center...go for a wonderful Lake front ride and then shower for the concert..  Union Station would work.....for those in the west loop... 

Permalink Reply by SkokieSurly on December 21, 2014 at 4:23pm

I'd be a go for Union Station / financial district.   The Millennium Park Bike center is an invaluable resource to me even though it is a mile to my final destination at LaSalle and Jackson.   A Union Station location as others have suggested would be a big plus.

Permalink Reply by paulcycles on December 24, 2014 at 7:03am

Union Station would be nice!

A unit, basement-antic-roof top small building near Union or Oglivie; or close by in West LOOP/Halsted area.

I commute via Metra West Line from Wheaton and have kept a beater in the rain @my Federal Bldg/Harold Washington SSC/Bat Column Bldg. since we're STILL prohibited from entering any Federal Building with a bike.

Those fed buildings with garages like the Metcalfe & the Federal Lock-up/Jail DO allow VERY secure indoor parking.

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