Let's highlight bike friendly businesses here.

There was a recent discussion on business that block bike lanes.  How about one that covers businesses that go out of their way to accommodate cyclists?

 

First up - I'd like to nominate  Delaware Dental at Delaware and State.  They are a very nice husband and wife practice that takes all kinds of insurance.  They're on the third floor, but it is not a problem to take your bike on the elevator.  There's a room within the practice to keep your bike, and no one bats an eye when I show up on two wheels in my bike gear.


Defying all stereotypes, my doc doesn't ride a $13,000 Pinarello.  In fact, he's not a cyclist at all.

So who else wants to recommend a business where you are not treated like a criminal for wanting to bring your ride inside, or like a child molester for wearing bike clothes?

 

 

 

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Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on June 13, 2011 at 10:55am

Just don't go in there with an emergency on the roadside that requires the tightening of one single bolt that your tool kit doesn't have (because you are riding a different bike that day.)

 

They gave me 3 choices -buy an extremely over-priced wrench off their retail shelf, pay $20 for them to tighten it, or "ride to Menards if you are too cheap to buy our wrench."  (not too cheap but I already have 4 of them at home and really don't need one more)

 

Srsly.  Do not recommend.

 

 

Permalink Reply by Shawn C. on June 13, 2011 at 11:08am
I can't be any more specific unless I give you dates/times & that would be a waste of my time. I'm sorry that you don't see how the Lincoln Park REI is a benefit to cyclists, but I wiil continue to take advantage of their offerings to cyclists. My link is one example of how they "support the local bike community." I'm not making a case, but I am sharing facts about the Lincoln Park REI and how they assist cyclists.

H3N3 said:

I'm not seeing any specifics there.

How do they "actively promote cycling as an alternative to driving?"

What of these other things could not simply be construed as being aimed at attracting business?

I saw your link. I don't understand what that's supposed to prove. I have no idea what REI's role in the pit stop is. Why would I assume from the information available that they did anything more than grant chainlink permission to set up in front of the store? 

I think you'd need to put a little more energy into making your case, if you wanted to do so effectively.

Permalink Reply by Moc Artsy on June 13, 2011 at 12:53pm
Probably not exactly the right thread for this, but another shout-out to Blackburn, who replaced a malfunctioning Airstick mini pump immediately and without batting an eye, merely asking me if I preferred black or white.
Permalink Reply by Ash L. on June 13, 2011 at 5:37pm

I should add some kindly businesses to this thread before I forget.

 

Dollop on Clarendon and Buena allows bikes inside and offers two solid u-racks outside.

Weeds on Dayton and North Av let me and four bikey friends bring our bikes into the bike patio this evening

Marble on Spaulding and Armitage also let me bring my bike into the patio this evening for a night cap

 

Must replace those pesky quick releases soon.

 

Permalink Reply by Andrew on June 16, 2011 at 5:17am

I've seen this thread a zillion times, but just now realized I should have posted something here some time ago.

 

Thomas West Salon (2nd floor of Merchandise Mart)  http://www.thomaswestsalon.com/

 

Earlier this year, on a slushy February morning, I showed up for a scheduled cut and realized I had forgotten my lock.  They were great about letting me bring my very messy bike into the salon; when I expressed surprise that they were so accommodating, I was told they thought it great that I was riding and they were happy to help out.

 

Permalink Reply by Kevin Mulcky on June 16, 2011 at 6:10am
Permalink Reply by Shawn C. on September 13, 2011 at 4:27am
Permalink Reply by Andrew on September 13, 2011 at 4:46am

Cemitas Puebla

http://www.cemitaspuebla.com/

3619 W. North Avenue  Chicago, IL 60647

 

Several weeks ago I stopped by to pick-up a phoned-in order and realized I'd forgotten my lock.  It can get busy/crowded on a Friday night, and even though I'm often there, I was feeling very sheepish about wheeling in my bike while I paid and waited for my order to be ready.

 

One of the cooks (I'm ashamed to say I don't know his name; it was not either of the brothers, Alex and Tony) noticed me bringing it in, and as he watched me, I subsequently asked if it would be ok to do so.

 

The response I got said everything:  "Bikes are always welcome here!"  Not a begrudging "Uh....ok" or a confused look that signaled he wasn't sure what to say, just "Bikes are always welcome here."

 

I have loved this restaurant since discovering it shortly after moving here 5 years ago, but these days I'm somehow loving it even more.

Permalink Reply by Kevin Mulcky on September 13, 2011 at 5:06am
That place is SO GOOD!
Permalink Reply by S.Presley☠ on September 13, 2011 at 5:24am

I am reluctant to post this store...but I have always had good experiences with them, so here goes.

Performance cycles on Halsted...

There, I said it.

The reason is, I bought some accessories and they were really cool about loaning me the tools to put them on my bike...I did it right there in the store. I didn't think it was extra-ordinary, but I read here, in this thread, that some stores will try to make you pay for this service.

Permalink Reply by Andrew on April 26, 2012 at 8:36am

New Kedzie Cleaners at the NE corner of Kedzie & Armitage always lets me bring my bike in.

Permalink Reply by Duppie on June 27, 2012 at 2:34pm

Marriott O'Hare on West Higgins road

My work is taking me there for meetings the entire week. They are probably unaware of it, but they have a very nice bike valet: Rid your bike to the front door, walk it into the foyer and hand it to the bell-hop. He will store it in the luggage room. No need to lock it. On your way out, tip the bell hop a few bucks and he hands you your bike back. Smooth!

Meanwhile, my coworkers were complaining that the parking lot was nearly full...

And they also let you take your bike into your room...

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