Commuting

 
Ok so One last big hurdle to this commuting Gig:

Parking the Bike.

I work in a decent size office building with a parking garage. At the entrance to the building from the garage there is a standard metal bike rack.

I have a couple of issues with using it though:
1) It's not even bolted down
2) It's out in the elements
3) I don't really want the damage of locking my bike to the rack every day.

What kind of options do you guys recommend?


I work in a decent size cubicle that would fit my bike but of course I have no clue how that's going to go over with management once they see it.
 
Is there a storage closet or un-used space to stash you bike? You may be surprised if you ask management about storing it inside as my office manager had me install a bike rack and hang my front a column. I work in an transportation engineering office though, so it is a good conversation peice for clients. If you aren't in good with your managers, the ask forgiveness rule may be in effect.
 
just go for it, if it isnt bothering anyone or in anyones space, they really have no reason to be pissed at you.
 
vlkslvr said:
Ok so One last big hurdle to this commuting Gig:

Parking the Bike.

I work in a decent size office building with a parking garage. At the entrance to the building from the garage there is a standard metal bike rack.

I have a couple of issues with using it though:
1) It's not even bolted down
2) It's out in the elements
3) I don't really want the damage of locking my bike to the rack every day.

What kind of options do you guys recommend?
Click to expand...

Every building/company is going to be different. If the space is leased, then the property manager is the person to talk to first. If there is already a bike rack available, don't expect much cooperation. That is far better than most other accomodations. You could argue that the existing bike rack is not secure, etc. He/she may not care what you do. Some may say use service entrances and corridors. Others may invite you to bring it into the work space.

If building management lets you bring the bike in, then it is time to talk to company management. Find out if they think a bike in the office space is acceptable. Again, every situation is going to be completely different.

STB222 has it made. I've had 5 different office positions that I commuted to. I never brought my bike in. I never felt that I had to so I didn't push the issue. I wanted to be under the radar to avoid any BS with co-workers.

Moral of the story? You shouldn't feel that your bike has to be with you at all times. You should try to minimize the distraction to the office environment. No one cares what you do if they don't notice anything out of the ordinary. Your bike can handle the elements. No one is going to steal your bike AND the rack it is secured to.
 
pearl said:
just go for it, if it isnt bothering anyone or in anyones space, they really have no reason to be pissed at you.
Click to expand...

I would not recommend this. A bike in a professional workplace is definitely going to attract attention and not all of it will be good. I would say it is similar to riding a bike in traffic. It may be perfectly legal but there will be varying levels of acceptance among your companions. Some won't skip a beat while others will treat you like a freak.

Co-workers are people and people can be real asshats. Don't make yourself an easy target for office BS. I have been there and it was not fun.
 
i agree with the fact that if a rack is out front. lock it up and you will be fine. at the same time, you could create the argument that the bike in your cube not affecting anyone else. then the guy in the next cube brings in his pet snake to leave on his desk. then it gets loose and bites you in the ankle and you have to goto the hospital for a couple of days.

i would say my workplace is "less professional" than others, but the space we work in is also huge. it also helps that my manager sometimes commutes by bike and he wouldn't want to leave his crap outside. i've been asked to make it "less visible" (whether tucked in the warehouse or in a closet) but never asked to leave it outside. i guess i have it made 😉

my moral of the story is, if you have to second guess what your manager/boss has to say about you leaving your bike in your cube, well, the answer will most likely be no.
 
pearl said:
my moral of the story is, if you have to second guess what your manager/boss has to say about you leaving your bike in your cube, well, the answer will most likely be no.
Click to expand...

I think in most cases it will be know. I worked at my office a long time before I commuted to work, one of my direct managers was directed opposed to having my bike inside. He made told me "what is this a fing bike shop". A few days later his superior told me to bring it inside. There is a manager of another department that has been vocal about me not having my bike in the office too. I just look at him smugly everytime I walk by with my bike. If you really think it is going to make waves, then it isnt worth it.

Also, a few people rode in once during the summer and made a case for a bike rack. The grounds manager installed a rack in a parking space where it could easily get crushed by someone parking a car and not paying attention. I told one of the higher ups I am not putting my bike out there and he said "ok".

In any case, every place is going to be different.
 
Hmm lots of different opinions on this one.

More background:

I just started this job a month and a half ago so I don't know my manager or the corporate culture all that well yet.

That being said I can see the beg for forgivness vs Ask Permission aspect of it.

On the other hand it is a very large company that I'd like to work with for a while so I don't really want to piss anyone off.

I'm thinking I'm going to approach HR about getting the rack securely installed or other alternative parking situations and see where it goes from there.

Thanks for the insight everyone.

And Jim we all wish our employers was a accomodating as yours are when it comes to bikes 🙂
 
One option that my school does is put the bike rack in the parking garage over the winter. It only takes up two spots and than the bikes are sheltered. Dont know if your garage gets packed full every day but maybe ask about something like this.

In the Spring/Fall I find a place in the garage and lock it up there instead of outside when its raining. Railing or a steel mesh grate thing in the window. If you investigate you can probably find somewhere in the garage that will work even if you have to buy a longer chain like bike messengers use.
 
vlkslvr said:
Thanks for the insight everyone.

And Jim we all wish our employers was a accomodating as yours are when it comes to bikes 🙂
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So quick update here, I've been riding in 2-3 days a week and have really been enjoying it. I've been able to get 100-120 miles in a week with some good climbs so I've been getting a good workout.

I have learned a few lessons I'd like to add here:
Couple of comments/suggestions here as I've been commuting for a few weeks doing 20 miles each way.

1) Leave work shoes at work. Buy an extra pair and leave them there if you have to but it not only saves having to carry them but will save you if you forget to grab them one day.

2) Leave extra socks at work. Both Dress and atheletic to ride home in.

3) Pack light but pack to be self sufficient. Have a spare tube, a pump, a patch kit, a chain tool and some basic tools including duct tape, a dollar bill (to patch a tear in a tire) and other repair items.

4) Have some plastic groccery bags in your backlpack/in the office. They weigh nothing and are extremely useful if you get caught in inclement weather, need to carry extra items etc.

5) Pack some emergency food, I've been caught once or twice on the ride home getting far too hungry. Energy bar or something like a snickers works just fine.

6) Have alternate routes to/from work if possible. I usually do the same route but like having options so if traffic is extremely bad you have an out.

7) Make sure you have a blinking tail light on at all time. I've used one since I've been commuting and I have to be honest I find that the cars have been very responsive to it.

Last and most important, enjoy yourself as much as possible. Some days will be better than others but all in all it's a great way to get some miles in and reduce gas usage.
 
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