The Chainlink

Where do you have trouble finding a bike rack to lock up at?

I take my bike everywhere I go in Chicago and unfortunately am used to finding a lack of rack space in certain locations.  I've called out my list of the major "offenders" below - would love to hear from others about locations you think lack sufficient rack space.  

Businesses should understand that installing bike racks - under the City's free program - attracts more customers and does a great  social good by encouraging biking.  Not being able to securely lock your bike discourages visiting a location!

1) North/Wells -  unless you get there early in the am the  racks  outside the Starbucks  and continuing up North on the West side are often filled.  Little tip- on the other side of the GNC store is a little hidden rack (just past Second City marquee).

2) Broadway/Belmont - very under racked intersection. Nothing outside the Walgreens; one outside the chicken hut; and I think just one small one outside the Chipotle. Walking up and down the streets doesn't help. Tonight people locked  up to small trees!

3)  The mini mall across  from the Post Office at 4877 North Broadway.  I go to  that food store next to the Dong Key restaurant and there is not one rack in the whole mall.  I lock to a garbage container there as there is nothing else to use. I have asked the owner of the anchor Viet food store to install one but I don't think she understands it is free.  

Question for one of you:  will the City install the rack on private property, as in the sidewalk within a mini mall?

Jo

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Gene Tenner on October 1, 2014 at 11:53am

The Jewwel and Target in Uptown.

Permalink Reply by Rich S on October 1, 2014 at 12:14pm

Belmont-Elston-California intersection. I visit either Beer Temple or Pork Shoppe at least once or twice a week and nothing but street signs to lock up to. The owner of Beer Temple says he's contacted the alderman's office but nothing ever came of that. 

Permalink Reply by Jared on October 1, 2014 at 12:42pm

Lincoln Avenue between Lawrence and Leland could use a few more.  Might be an appropriate location for an on street corral.

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on October 1, 2014 at 12:45pm

Parking is inadequate on State and Wabash in the Loop - ah, the irony.

Permalink Reply by Kyle Mac on October 1, 2014 at 1:27pm

here's the CDOT Request Bike Parking Map

http://bikeparking.chicagocompletestreets.org/page/about

if you click on a few of the "rejected" spots you'll learn they're either private property (to answer your question above) or because the sidewalk isn't wide enough.  I'm surprised there aren't more "support hearts" up there by Beer Temple - maybe you should circulate the link. 

Permalink Reply by Gene Tenner on October 1, 2014 at 1:44pm

Thanks, I added the Uptown Target. I will keep pestering Jewel.

Kyle Mac said:

here's the CDOT Request Bike Parking Map

http://bikeparking.chicagocompletestreets.org/page/about

Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on October 1, 2014 at 1:58pm

That request map is a far cry better than the old one!  I had not looked at it in a long time.  Also reminded me that they need a rack on Ashland in front of the Harris Bank, and, lo' and behold, one had been requested and approved!
 
Kyle Mac said:

here's the CDOT Request Bike Parking Map

http://bikeparking.chicagocompletestreets.org/page/about

if you click on a few of the "rejected" spots you'll learn they're either private property (to answer your question above) or because the sidewalk isn't wide enough.  I'm surprised there aren't more "support hearts" up there by Beer Temple - maybe you should circulate the link. 

Permalink Reply by Rich S on October 1, 2014 at 2:14pm

Thanks! I did not even know this existed. I added a like to that corner and emailed Beer Temple to see if they'll put this up on their facebook page. 

If any other riders wanna click I'd appreciate it! I'm happy to return the support for any bike racks that will benefit you. 

http://bikeparking.chicagocompletestreets.org/place/223065

Kyle Mac said:

here's the CDOT Request Bike Parking Map

http://bikeparking.chicagocompletestreets.org/page/about

if you click on a few of the "rejected" spots you'll learn they're either private property (to answer your question above) or because the sidewalk isn't wide enough.  I'm surprised there aren't more "support hearts" up there by Beer Temple - maybe you should circulate the link. 

Permalink Reply by Josh L. on October 1, 2014 at 8:58pm



rwein5 said:

2)There are quite a few racks around here. I counted 16 "upside down U" racks between the Lakeview Athletic Club to Briar on Google Streetview.

Not at the intersection. For the entire Walgreens, which takes up a huge amount of space on Broadway and Bellmont, there is one.  There is one near the Chicken Hut I rerferences. There is non I could see at Chipotle but one small rack on the opposite intersection. So for an incredibly popular intersection day and, there are two racks right at the intersection.  Compared to other parts of the city that is very sparse. For for example in front of the Starbucks at North/Wells, which I would guess has similar traffic (and frankly an older demographic), there are 7 racks alone.

3) I go to that market a lot. There is a rack on the sidewalk, at the north end of the parking lot, right next to the Citibank entrance. Never had an issue there.

Yes, I've used that. My point was in the mall. sorry if that wasn't clear.  Hence my question about racks on private property. lt would be nice to have a rack right outside that door.

Permalink Reply by Josh L. on October 1, 2014 at 9:00pm



Gene Tenner said:

The Jewwel and Target in Uptown.

If the Target rack is filled Aldi has a 3 stall rack that is rarely filled. But a small walk I know.

Permalink Reply by Josh L. on October 1, 2014 at 9:02pm

Isn't there one outside Gene's and outside the bookstore? When I worked out at LSAC I had no problems there..but then again I used to lock up in front of LSAC.

Jared said:

Lincoln Avenue between Lawrence and Leland could use a few more.  Might be an appropriate location for an on street corral.

Permalink Reply by Josh L. on October 1, 2014 at 9:02pm

thanks much Kyle. Never new about this!

Kyle Mac said:

here's the CDOT Request Bike Parking Map

http://bikeparking.chicagocompletestreets.org/page/about

if you click on a few of the "rejected" spots you'll learn they're either private property (to answer your question above) or because the sidewalk isn't wide enough.  I'm surprised there aren't more "support hearts" up there by Beer Temple - maybe you should circulate the link. 

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