For Lack of a Rack
This weekend I had to run a quick errand in the Back Bay and ran into a problem.
While I prefer not to lock to railings either other options are not always provided. And the number of racks in Boston hasn’t grown as fast as the number of bikes. So even when there is a rack…
Enough is enough. I’ve decided to of take the matter into my own hands.
So whenever I need to lock up I won’t be lacking a rack.
I guess scores of cars blocking up the streets doesn’t “destroy the historic character” at all?
In Catonsville MD, down in the ‘Ville they have clef notes in front of many of the stores (C’ville is Music City Maryland). But when you go to the Giant or the Lowe’s, nothing. I park my rig, tricycle and Burley Cub right next to the cart corral far from the front door and lock it up there. That means I take up a whole space.
I came out of the store one day and there was a motor car drive waiting to scold me.
“I thought that was an empty space!”
“Yeah, I hate when that happens only I find a motorcycle or a Smart Car instead. It is annoying.”
“Well they have a right to a whole space. You’re just a toy.” I guess a tricycle is a toy if you’re five years old and it cost $40. “You don’t belong here. Park it on the bike rack.”
“Giant Foods doesn’t have a bike rack so …”
“Then leave it home or I won’t be responsible if it gets run over.”
I took a photo of his license plate. “If it gets run over, I know where to send the police. Have a nice day. Oh! Look! A space just opened up right by the door.”
Motorists believe they are the only ones allowed to use the road, parking, air, etc.
When cities actually do start adding racks they can get creative. Pittsburgh’s been holding art competitions for rack in the Cultural district, and creating neighborhood specific racks. And there’s the three rivers rack, which has been around for a while.
https://www.flickr.com//photos/threeriversartsfestival/sets/72157646517449810/show
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B1migq7IYAAhHF9.jpg
http://bikepgh.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/3riversbikerack.jpg
I gotta say, as a former car commuter it is infinitely easier to find bike parking than car parking. Maybe that is because in NYC it is also permitted to lock your bike to any parking sign, and practically every block has a minimum of 3 signs detailing the complicated rules and regulations governing on-street parking. I used to have to walk several blocks from car parking to my final location. Now I find it annoying when I have to walk past more than one store front. I will even unlock the bike and ride it 1 block and park it again at my next destination, something completely unthinkable if one were driving a car.
I am blind and I think I heard “lack of Iraq”. What exactly are you advocating for, please?