Heck yeah, work’n smart!

@tcbikeparking.bsky.social Grainger #499 on Plato Blvd in St Paul. B-? A+?

You can lock to the handicap signs outside and feel quite secure about it (B-) or you can roll right in through the automatic door for easy loading, and no one will bat an eye (A+).

Hamburgesas El Gordo
Standish/Ericson Bike Racks: B

Fine rack, boring design. They serve their purpose but the design doesn’t do much for me. I like the bird I guess. There are a handful of these at 42nd and Cedar.

@tcbikeparking.bsky.social

Lito’s Burritos/Souptown Bike Racks: B

They do the job but they don’t really stand out among the funky custom racks. Easy to lock to with any kind of lock and there are plenty of racks in the area.

I can’t wait for this place to open 🌯Break the curse!

@tcbikeparking.bsky.social

Bryant Lake Bowl: A

Super cool bike rack! You can lock to either the pins or the bowling ball. It’s right outside the window and patio so you can keep eyes on your bike while you eat. The only negative would be space, the one bike here takes up most of one side of the rack.

Bike rack art!

Saint Paul License Bureau- Transfer Rd. (F) I couldn’t even find a gas meter so I had to disrespect this piece of art. There are parking signs you could use if you love risk. But this is the fastest service you’ll ever find!

@tcbikeparking.bsky.social Merriam Park Public Library (SPPL). Grade: A. Separated from the street, space for bikes on either side of your own, enough of it, well trafficked. I’m even tempted to give it a “+” for the e-bait-bike that’s locked by cable, but that feels cruel.

It’s such a bad setup I didn’t even like driving a car in that lot when Lunds was open. I hate to see an empty building, but you’re right, it feels a lot safer now.

Chuck & Don’s Ford Pkwy (D) but the employees are awesome and have always let me roll inside. Best outside option is around the corner at Allina’s front door (B) only one rack, cargo friendly, with regular foot traffic. There are good racks across the lot (C) but it’s a ghost town there, zero eyes.

I’m tempted to pull out the horse costume I have for my bike and pay a visit.

@tcbikeparking.bsky.social
Hmong Villiage. Rating: D

No bike racks that I could find. This rickety stop sign on the landscaping rock was a poor substitute. At least there was space to park and a solid bike trail connection close by.

Thank you, Nathan! Can I ask you to repost with a pic next time you’re around there? We’re going for a “live, from the scene” communication style. We need a visual to really help people make their own evaluations.

An excellent pdf to reference on parking design:

Bandana Square: “A” for the East side entrance. Right next to the entrance, tons of space both around and between each rack to accommodate cargo bikes (front loader may need to back in). I’ve never seen them close to full. And the shape offers options.

Free bike racks for Saint Paul businesses: www.stpaul.gov/departments/...
50% Reimbursed bike racks for Minneapolis businesses: www.minneapolismn.gov/getting-arou...
Plus more great info in each link.