+1
2012-06-30 22:15:20
16
Bike Parking at the East End Food Co-op. Arrgh.
Nothing new here to report, and maybe I'm just in a foul mood due to the heat, but...WTF, EEFC?
I am a long-time member of the co-op, live nearby and do most of my shopping there and use the cafe. There is ONE 3-rivers rack out front that is seasonally blocked by dogs or seedling racks. And a worthless uncovered toaster rack nearby (worthless because it doesn't work with many frames or U-locks and the poles on the ends are unsecured).
I know they are a Bike-Friendly Employer and I have heard that they recently upgraded bike parking for employees, but I see no signs that this upgrade benefits customer/members in any way.
What can be done to encourage them to be a Bike-Friendly Business, too? I know $$ is always an issue and the parking for cars and deliveries is always tight in a complex that is shared with many other businesses.
If you are a member or shop there, please fill out a comment card next time you're in, if you would like to see more and better bike parking. They do try to be responsive when they hear from people.
I wonder if the self storage place across the street would allow a covered rack on their wide sidewalk?
2012-06-30 22:13:28
Next time I'm there I'll fill one out
2012-06-30 22:18:38
Thank you so much for bringing this up! Pretty much every time I go there, which is a whole lot since I also live nearby and am also a member, I get irritated with the parking and think about posting here and/or talking to the coop about it, and then I get lazy and forgetful and never follow through.
I'm renting a space from that Extra Space storage location next door, and the manager of that location and all the employees I have ever interacted with are SO nice. And they have a big parking lot that never seems to be even close to full. I bet they'd be willing to talk to someone about it at the very least.
2012-06-30 23:16:54
+1 filling out a comment card
2012-07-01 00:26:14
I mentioned something to them on facebook when they had the shopping carts blocking the bike parking. the response lead me to believe there was something in the works but maybe that was the not-so-great rack up the street.
2012-07-01 01:52:12
If you're a member, go to the meetings and let the board know. That's kinda the point, right?
I wonder if they could just get three rivers racks where the current toaster rack is?
2012-07-01 01:53:04
On the note of rack gripes, I'm still annoyed by GE Shadyside's racks. I frequently have to move chairs, carts, etc out of the way
Even at their best, since the racks are spaced out on two parallel lines, they can never be effectively filled to capacity and getting mine in and out is a hassle if the racks are being used
2012-07-01 03:08:01
I've seen some seriously crazy seat angles and cockpits locked up to the GE racks. You could sit out there for a few days & make an interesting project out of photographing everything that shows up there. Do the same at Whole Foods and you have a cultural study on your hands.
2012-07-01 05:16:53
I know Lou was working with them on upgrading their bike parking across the board, so he may have more insight on this. 2. Erin from Velomuse works there and is a kindred spirit so working with her directly might help 3. Yes to writing the board a letter, perhaps a letter to the Cooperator editor, and comment cards.
2012-07-01 11:54:09
I have been thinking about building a bike rack with some unused steel tube I have sitting around from another project, and doing a design somewhat like the racks at REI, i.e., one that allows proper locking. If the issue for the co-op is the cost of new racks I would be happy to fab it up for whatever my additional out of pockets costs are. Perhaps those who shop there (I haven't for years) would be willing to take up a collection for the out of pocket costs (ballpark $100) and/or give me a hand with the paint work. I know there are issues with getting a new design approved by the Art Commission but if the co-op is short on funds the price might make it worth it.
2012-07-01 12:07:20
Good News! I heard back from the co-op that there are plans underway for a new rack and shelter in the parking lot - e.t.a. this summer!
2012-07-02 13:47:03
I'll fill out a comment card next time I'm there.
2012-07-02 18:23:50
comment card to say thank you i hope
2012-07-02 21:48:43
saw today that the new racks are installed at the co-op. i meant to take a photo before i left but forgot. they took over the last parking space in the lot next to that picnic table (plus the little bit of extra space in that corner) and put in 10 racks and there are caution poles posted around the area so cars shouldn't run over your bike while it's parked there.
2012-09-24 01:34:52
Also, as pointed out in another thread, there's additional parking inside the Penn Avenue entrance to the Factory, as well as a repair station there.
Thanks to both the Co-op and the Factory.
2012-09-24 11:50:46