Chicago Bike Swap bike parking?

So, the bike swap encourages folks to ride their bikes or take mass transit to get to the aforementioned swap. However, I've been in and around that gym a number of years because it's where the Chicago Herpetological Society holds its yearly ReptileFest event (http://www.chicagoherp.org/fest/index.php April 13,14 [hint-hint]), and if I remember correctly, there's bugger-all for bike parking around there. If there are any racks outside that building they're certainly not enough to support as many people as might be showing up for the swap. I'd sure as heck love to come to the swap on my Xtracycle and maybe be able to haul away some sweet finds, but I won't be biking if I don't have anywhere secure to lock up near the event. Is there going to be any kind of secured bike parking available or facilities for attendees to be able to lock up and be reasonably sure their own bike will still be around when they leave the show?

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Permalink Reply by h' 1.0 on February 28, 2013 at 12:28pm

Active trans is working with Working Bikes to have extra capacity set up.

No plans to have it directly supervisedas far as I know but we have UIC police on board with the presentations and can ask if there can be a little extra attention during the swap.

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Permalink Reply by grayn8 (5.3 - 36) on March 3, 2013 at 8:15am

Bike Valets!

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Permalink Reply by James BlackHeron on March 3, 2013 at 11:28am

I found the bike parking last year to be a little tricky -especially with the trailer that I brought to bring home my copious loot. It was packed-full to over-flowing on the ride home then, and I don't expect it will be any different this year.

Hopefully bike parking won't be an issue at this new venue.

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Permalink Reply by Jennifer on the lake on March 4, 2013 at 3:35pm

The UIC sustainability office has a helpful map of rack locations.

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Permalink Reply by Active Transportation Alliance on March 5, 2013 at 12:40pm

Howard is correct, we are working with Working Bikes to set up additional racks outside...the space is tricky so we're unsure where they will be right now. We promise to do our best to provide secure or monitored bike parking for the Swap on Saturday.

Thanks,

Ethan Spotts, Active Trans