BIKEPGH MESSAGE BOARD ARCHIVE

It is not uncommon at all downtown for bike not to be allowed in the building. I am fortunate that I am allowed to bring my bike in, but I have to use the freight elevator. Normally I lock it up outside just because it is more convenient that getting my bike to the loading dock and waiting on the freight elevator. The only times I have used it is when I have forgotten my lock.

I personally have never had any problems with someone messing with my bike downtown. And if it is locked up right, I don't recall offhand anyone on the board who has.

My suggestion would be to come up with a solution that you could present to building management, dont just go in saying they need to do it. They aren't going to put the energy in to come up with the solution for you, but if presented with a solution that requires very little from them, and wont offend any tenants, then they be more likely to change.

Pittsburgh is incredibly safe (known on wood) as far as bike theft/damage goes compared to other cities. In a fit of being sick and bad weather, I once left my bicycle un-locked below First Ave station for my entire shift out at the mall…Was untouched when I returned.

As far as policy and trying to get things changed, bring up anything that makes it sound less personal, and more like you are trying to do them a favor. If they changed their policy to actively support bike parking, they may even be able to use that as credit towards require parking per space (I don't know how much space your employer has, or if they own the space or are renting). The usual about less space and decreasing pollution, etc, can sometimes come off as a bit enviro-wingnut, so read the staff well before doing that route.

I worked in Gateway 4 and the building had a similar policy. My boss was okay with bikes in the office, but building management would have nothing to do with it. My bike was locked outdoors at the T Station everyday, and I never had problems.

I'd suggest that this meeting be the start of a dialogue, not a one time meeting. Perhaps you should start by asking what prompted this policy. Safety? Liability? Dirt? Image? and then approach those questions. Is there a sub-basement or other area that could be used for bike storage, if they don't want bikes in the lobby or in carpeted areas? These are just ideas....my building (also downtown) is entirely anti-bike, and no bikes are allowed to be brought into the building for any reason.

Oh, swalfoort, you totally scooped me.

What swalfoort said.

Also, mention that this issue is likely to arise from more people in the future, and you would like to help them be pro-active, especially if they hope to be competitive and attract young bright personnel, this amenity can be a real attractor for those types.

Invite the HR person to today's noon ceremony at the City County building.

==swalfoort

In one building where I worked, the concern turned out to be that leaving my bicycle in the hallway outside my office was considered a fire hazard, because the hallway was narrow. I got rid of the visitor chair in my office and started parking my bike in there, and everyone was happy. Especially me - fewer people dropping in and interrupting me