As I was unlocking my bike another cyclist pedaled up and proceeded to lock his bike to a small tree. My bike was “locked” to a big light pole — I have to use an extra long cable with my u-lock. You see this particular store has no bike parking. Zip. Zero. Zilch. Nada.
I’m not sure if this store is in actual Austin city limits (and thus in violation of the requirement to provide a small percentage of bike parking). Perhaps they have the nobody-bikes-to-Lowes-anyway parking exemption. Although I’m having trouble finding that text in the regulations. Perhaps they are just outside the jurisdictional limit and thus thumbing their noses at those subversives in the People’s Republic of Austin. Curious.
Looks like it’s been in the city limits for at least 10 years.
http://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Planning/Annexation/Annexations_by_Decade.pdf
I think you’re right. I know I’m in the city limits and I live less than a mile away straight line distance (1.4 as the Old Guy pedals). Thanks for the link.
They may also be using the big-box-store-next-door-has-bike-parking exemption (Walmart has a small set of racks).
I feel that Austin (as far as bike stuff is concerned) essentially ends at 183. See: 1. Austin bike map, or 2. Austin bike shop map: http://www.communitywalk.com/austin_tx/map/341884
Since Round Rock has no such requirements on providing any bike parking, I tend to lock up to a cart return corral. Hardware stores normally have grills and mowers and such all locked together and I have connected to those. Also most of the big box hardware stores garden centers use chain link fence that will work.
I almost never get to use my U Lock as intended though.
Couple times when I know I wasn’t going to be long, I have locked up to a couple carts right by the door. It may still get stolen, but people will sure notice.
I stopped at the La Frontara Hobby Lobby this weekend and remarked to the cashier how there isn’t any bike parking in sight, and the girl thought that the complex didn’t allow biking in the complex, as she saw a ‘no bicycle/skateboarding on the sidewalk’ sign somewhere. /facepalm
I keep asking stores for parking, but I don’t think Round Rock will change anytime soon. Seems like stores don’t need bike racks if you just make it so unsafe to bike to so they don’t bother. Exhibit A: http://www.campotexas.org/pdfs/RegionalBikeMaptop.pdf
I am tempted to just walk the isles with my bike.
/End Rant
applause
I have pondered taking my bike in with me! Especially at our local HEB, which has already given me the “nobody bikes here” line. When I said, “I bike here!” it got very quiet on the other end of the phone. Sigh…
yeah, HEB really disappoints me. what really sets my jaw tight is when I see their community outreach PR bullshit about healthy living….grrrrr
Is there any penalty for not complying?
Maybe that’s why they don’t.
not sure
even if there was the code compliance people are busy and a large uncaring corporation like this could stonewall forever…the number of cycling customers doesn’t even get their attention
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Actually, this particular store does have a bike rack. It’s on the north side of the building around the corner from the contractor exit/entrance. I’ve used it several times. I have mixed feelings about it. On the one hand, it’s hidden out of site. On the other hand, it’s hidden out of site