My wife and I went on a bike date the other night. We ended up at El Con mall for a movie and was extremely disappointed with the bike rack and its position.

It was an old metal rack that requires you to put your wheel between the two metal posts and makes it difficult to lock up.

The other annoying thing was that the rack was positioned in a way that makes it impossible for the employees sitting in the ticket window to see the bikes.

I doubt the employees would prevent a bike theft, but it is one more layer of security.

So my question is, what is the best way to get the situation improved?

Here are the things I’ve thought about, but would be curious as to what suggestions you all have.

1) Avoid complaining to low-level employees. At least talk to a manager of the business, but it probably makes more sense to go directly to the people who own/manage the property.

2) A letter with a follow up phone call might be more effective. What should be included in the letter? Statistics about bike theft, poor rack design? Perhaps something about the business benefit of having cyclists ride to their business rather than drive.

3) Include contact to the city and county for assistance in securing better bike racks.

What else can you think of that might help?

I have to agree with your basic observations. The property owner is Elvis when it comes to anything outside the theater. Getting a property owner on board can require the wisdom of Solomon! I think once you had the ball rolling it would be nice to introduce yourself to the Theater Manager. That person may have employees who would consider commuting.
Also, it would be great if the design was something innovative that people would talk about (including the press.)
Here is a fun example: http://bit.ly/cNy4ZH

I think you should stay away from Item 2.

By talking to the manager you will be able to understand their knowledge of bike parking. I think Item 2 should happen only after talking with the manager is ineffective or unproductive.

When you do talk to the manager, thank them for considering people who bike, but then point out that the current rack provided is insecure and insufficient for most biker’s needs. Mention that you (or the City) can help them select a better bike rack.

Imagine if the manager didn’t know anything about bike parking but saw this rack in a catalog and ordered it because the sales copy made them feel comfortable in their selection. They didn’t know that grill racks should be banished from our planet.

Unfortunately, at El Con there is a huge locker type rack just north of The Home Depot garden center so I doubt they are going to improve the theaters bike rack.

OK, I’m a former band mom & PTA president and here is how I would handle it. First, I would ask a volunteer who lives near El Con (I’m 1/2 mile away as the crow flies) to monitor how many cyclists come to watch movies. I think you need a 7-day look to get fairly accurate data. If the number is really low, forget it, you’re going to have to live with the lame rack.

BUT if there are a lot of bikes parked there throughout the week, obviously you have more clout when you make your ask. Next, I would make up some little fliers (4 to a page) punch holes in them, bring some rubber bands to attach them to bikes and write a note, asking for assistance in improving bike park parking — maybe make it a survey, & ask for an e-mail response. Seems like serious cyclists would see that & drop you a line. Next of course, look at your statistics, make some charts, write a compelling plea.

Then you contact El Con management and let me know if the property is still owned by the Kivel family. If it is, I can help because I know Mr. Al Kivel from about 100 years ago. I could probably get you an appointment and I’d be happy to go along as a supporter (if your data convinces me that improving bike parking is worth the expense to the property owner.)

Have a swell day! 😀

When the El Con theaters were put in, I believe the city code would have required installation of racks that met zoning code and development standards. However, the code was excessive at the time and probably would have required some 30 racks or so that would handle two bikes each. Check out the 30 to 40 inverted U racks that were put in at the theater at Kolb/Speedway and you’ll see what I mean by excessive.

If at least 8 to 10 inverted U racks could be put in at the El Con theater closer to the entrance, plus a few lockers, that should work fairly well.

I contacted the city at the time but no upgraded racks were put in. I believe a complaint can still be lodged with the city development services department. This would also apply to the Starbucks and Radioshack etc businesses at the mall. And of course Walmart when it comes along.

Would be glad to help with this too Mike.

Matt

Thanks for the info, Matt. I think it would be great to try to develop a “recipe” so that people can follow a step by step guide to getting better parking put in at the places they ride to.