No backpack rule at Pete's fresh market: discriminatory to cyclists?

At the Pete's where I regularly do groceries on Madison by Western, they've started to get more vocal with me about their enforcement of their no backpack rule (the security folks at the door have). I think this discriminates against cyclists (discrimination doesn't have to be targeted, it can be a naturally occurring result). I've yet to take it up with their management, just wondering what the chainlinkers think about this.

Of course it's their store and I understand security concerns. I understand I could not shop there, but I like the convenience and selection and I would think security can just catch shoplifters the same way other stores with less restrictive backpack rules do.

I just think it isn't very nice to not accommodate cyclist shoppers! We tend to have backpacks so we can carry our groceries etc (I also have bike baskets but I like carrying my phone and wallet and any extra groceries that don't otherwise fit - in the backpack). It's not like we can leave the backpack in the car (their suggestion is for me to take it and leave it with customer service- I don't feel safe leaving my stuff with them and I'd have to enter the exit and then go all the way back around to do my shopping and come back and wait to get my backpack before I can check out- not very practical!)

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Permalink Reply by curt(is) locke on October 6, 2016 at 3:46am

10-4. It's an inconvenience, nothing more, nothing less. Been there, done that for years with a messenger bag.  "Discriminatory"?? Seriously, that's just plain overwrought.

Permalink Reply by Matt on October 6, 2016 at 4:28am

I have to agree with you that I think calling this discrimination is a bit of an overreaction.  They're not banning people that have backpacks from the store, just the backpacks themselves.  Like you, I simply find it an inconvenience.  However, it's enough of an inconvenience that I, personally, would avoid grocery stores with this policy.

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on October 6, 2016 at 4:23am

Yes, they offer great produce in a bunch of neighborhoods.

Permalink Reply by curt(is) locke on October 6, 2016 at 3:43am

Never shopped at Pete's?? Well, then they'll really miss your business.

Permalink Reply by Caiken on October 5, 2016 at 4:26am

No. Just, no. 

This is a fairly common practice in many stores across the country and in Chicago. I'd done it for years in San Francisco, Berkeley and Oakland CA, all pretty pro-biking cities. I do it at least twice a month at Casa del Pueblo and simply go to the customer service window when I'm about to check out. That's what baskets are for. 

Inconvenience doesn't equal oppression, right? Also big ups to Pete's for carrying collards and bok choy in my neck of the woods (Cermak/Western). 

Permalink Reply by Matt on October 5, 2016 at 6:36am

I just wanted to add my two cents to this discussion...

Count me as one that will not shop at a grocery store with this policy.  I will single out grocery stores because I go almost daily, probably about 4-5 times per week, specifically because I do not own a car.  While I understand the intention of this rule, I will absolutely avoid grocery stores with this policy.  I don't go to thrift stores or departments stores often enough, so if I have to check my backpack there so be it.

I get around using transit, Divvy, and/or my own bike and my backpack is the one mainstay between all modes of transportation.  I keep a canvas grocery bag in it for groceries, but I often buy much bigger items that I put in my backpack instead (10lb sack of potatoes, 3lb package of meat, etc).  If I have to check my bag at the service desk, I'd have to carry those items over there to put into my bag, and I'd simply rather not have to do that.

Luckily my grocery store (Tony's at Fullerton and Central Park) doesn't have, or at least enforce, this policy despite being quite busy all the time.  I went to the new Cermak at Diversey and Pulaski not too long ago and noticed a sign saying they had this rule, but nobody said anything to me when I just walked right in with my backpack.  If they had said something, I probably would have said no thanks and left.  I won't demand they change it, but I would let them know that's why I won't shop there.

Permalink Reply by V W on October 5, 2016 at 8:31am
Well said! I also am a frequent grocery shopper because I try to buy nothing but fresh stuff (not canned or frozen) which tastes better but expires faster.
Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on October 5, 2016 at 6:56am

In previous locations, where I needed to shop with a backpack, I tended to boycott stores with this policy. It's a hassle to repack your stuff into the backpack after retrieving it from customer service. I agree that these policies discriminate against anyone who isn't shopping by car.

Your mileage may vary....

Permalink Reply by V W on October 5, 2016 at 8:32am
Indeed! I'm not willing to boycott them but as you can see here I am willing to be vocal about my disagreement with the policy.
Permalink Reply by Tony Adams on October 5, 2016 at 11:33am

"It’s like what you have to do to stop any ongoing pattern of abuse.  Sooner or later, you have to speak up about something that seems minor in isolation.  You have to say: “I know you think this is isn’t a big deal, but in the context of 100 similar things that are being said, it’s doing harm.”  You’ll sound like a killjoy, but you’ll sleep better knowing you did what you could."

from transit blogger Jarrett Walker in a post about Uber's terrible anti-transit ad at

http://humantransit.org/2016/10/speech-has-consequences-or-why-i-to...

Permalink Reply by We all have an inner Beast... on October 5, 2016 at 7:22am

I go to the Pete's Market on 47th & Kedzie.

However, my family and I walk there. I carry a Tactical Tailor Extended Range Operator Pack with a Tactical Tailor/MilSpec Monkey Adapt Pack attached. My son (13) carries either a SpecOps T.H.E. Pack or Blackhawk Raptor X-1 Pack. The ex-wife carries an older model Blackhawk Becker Patrol Pack (it has multiple pouches/pockets for various items. We also have an older model Kidde Carrier/Bike Trailer that we use as well when doing these runs (due to buying over $400 worth of groceries per week), and also a folding "shopping cart".

Our youngest (2 yrs old now) goes in a Kelty Kiddie Carrier backpack.

We have never seen a "no backpacks sign", or have ever been approached by anyone at the store.

We just walk in, get a cart, hang our packs from the front and sides of the cart...and push our bike trailer/Kidde Carrier throughout our shopping excursion.

I wonder if it just at that store, or just a few ???

Permalink Reply by We all have an inner Beast... on October 5, 2016 at 8:20am

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