New City job: showers but no secure parking

[leemo]

Just started a new job in the City (Cheapside). They have showers, and a cloak room but there are only 90 cycle spaces in a building that I would guess has about 5000 workers! I've been put on a waiting list for a cycle space but basically told not to hold my breath. What's the best plan? There are the options Ive considered:

A) I considered using my "beater" 3-speed instead of my nice bike and parking it on the street, but was told "they will nick anything". The bike doesnt look much but I dont want it nicked.

B) Another option would be to buy a folder (brompton I guess). My commute is 6 miles each way. Apparently I could store this under my desk but Im not so sure this would go down if its been raining and the bike is wet. Ive never riden a folder before so Im finding it difficult to evaluate this one. Its also slightly on the expensive side, although I can afford it.

C) Third option is to rent the secure cycle parking facilities at On Your Bike in London Bridge, and then run about one mile to the work site. (might have to invest in some triathlon shorts in this case!). Anyone tried these facilities? Are there any other similar facilities in the City?

I like cycle commuting the main benefit for me is to combine exercise with commuting thereby saving time. Im leaning towards C). Any advice or suggestions would be most appreciated.

 

[GFamily]

Just started a new job in the City (Cheapside). They have showers, and a cloak room but there are only 90 cycle spaces in a building that I would guess has about 5000 workers! I've been put on a waiting list for a cycle space but basically told not to hold my breath. What's the best plan? There are the options Ive considered:

A) I considered using my "beater" 3-speed instead of my nice bike and parking it on the street, but was told "they will nick anything". The bike doesnt look much but I dont want it nicked.

B) Another option would be to buy a folder (brompton I guess). My commute is 6 miles each way. Apparently I could store this under my desk but Im not so sure this would go down if its been raining and the bike is wet. Ive never riden a folder before so Im finding it difficult to evaluate this one. Its also slightly on the expensive side, although I can afford it.

C) Third option is to rent the secure cycle parking facilities at On Your Bike in London Bridge, and then run about one mile to the work site. (might have to invest in some triathlon shorts in this case!). Anyone tried these facilities? Are there any other similar facilities in the City?

I like cycle commuting the main benefit for me is to combine exercise with commuting thereby saving time. Im leaning towards C). Any advice or suggestions would be most appreciated.

I'd heartily recommend a Brompton.

 

[Baggy]

Could you start off by renting a space at On Your Bike, and then try to find someone at work who already has a bike space who might be willing to share their bike space?

 

[leemo]

Could you start off by renting a space at On Your Bike, and then try to find someone at work who already has a bike space who might be willing to share their bike space?

This isnt possible -- the bike has to have a tag on it to get in the building. Thats how they control it.

 

[Baggy]

Ah, that's sneaky! Bet there are loads of people with a space who don't ride in very often but won't give up their space...
Presumably there's no space for a folded Brommie anywhere in the parking either? You could always keep it in a big, thick polythene bag under the desk if it's been raining!

 

[Beebo]

I work in the city, all the public bike stands are packed every day, but with mainly hybrid / MTB's.

take a walk round the area, look at the stands, bikes and locks to see what others are doing to stop their bike getting nicked.

BTW I parked in an NCP carpark for a few weeks when my bike park was unavailable, it was free, manned 24 hours and it felt very secure.

 

[leemo]

Ah, that's sneaky! Bet there are loads of people with a space who don't ride in very often but won't give up their space...
Presumably there's no space for a folded Brommie anywhere in the parking either? You could always keep it in a big, thick polythene bag under the desk if it's been raining!

Yes I bet the utilisation of spaces is quite low in mid winter. But on the other hand how else can you administer it -- if people ride into work to find there are no spaces left, what can you expect them to do!

 

[YahudaMoon]

Hi. Ive taken my bike in the office before now and bolted (locked it to to radiaters. Id prefer the mither from the boss than lose the bike. Also Im a bit of a rebel in work lol

 

[Baggy]

If I tried taking my bike up to the 3rd floor think my P45 would follow shortly afterwards!

Yes I bet the utilisation of spaces is quite low in mid winter. But on the other hand how else can you administer it -- if people ride into work to find there are no spaces left, what can you expect them to do!

I can see with limited space and that many staff there would need to be some kind of administration, but it's a shame they can't think up something a bit more flexible. Sorry, no more ideas, On Your Bike might be the best bet until you can suss out the whole Brompton thing. I've not experienced their parking but they were always an excellent bike shop.

 

[mr_cellophane]

I was in Cheapside today ready for the first full weeks work since I was made redundant. I found the place even had a bike park. Then they told me they weren't ready for for me. Still at least I got a days pay for sitting around for 2 hours.
Anyway, they had decent cycle park at my last job There was a big fuss that there wasn't enough spaces for everyone who asked for one and the waiting list ran into hundreds. Needless to say, the racks were never half full.

 

[YahudaMoon]

If I tried taking my bike up to the 3rd floor think my P45 would follow shortly afterwards!

Yeah but getting sacked can be liberating

 

[Norm]

Where is the nearest Boris bike stand?

 

[Brains]

Until you suss out the situation I'd go with storage at On Yer Bike, there is a Boris stand 200m down from the shop on the right (towards Tower Bridge)
There is also a Boris stand in Eachcheap.

and I didn't tell you this but with steel balls you can park a bike attached to the outside of the bike cage at the building next to St Magnus Church, it's covered by 24hr security. Just look like you work there.
Also look for the other buildings in the area with car park spaces, there are not many, but you can often slip a bike in as long as they think you work in the building or are 'just visiting' I think on the river side of Sugar Quay is another option, but not tried that one.

 

[leemo]

Using a boris for the last mile is a nice idea. Will have to see availability but can always fall back to running. Cheers!

 

[Night Train]

If it were me I would get a Brompton, Ebay prices are around £350-£600.

I'd also get a bag/cover for it, one of those that just drops over the top of the Brom so you can carry it by the seat. If it was wet then I'd just shake the worst of the water from it and then carry it in anyway. It can sit on a mat under the desk to save the carpet and be no more a problem then wet people entering the office.

Broms are great riding, even the three speed is fine for some 20+miles. Just get a saddle that suits your bum.
If you are a very strong rider then you might notice a bit of frame flex, I do, but it is a very sound bike and, if I could only have one bike it would be a Brompton. The fold and compactness and general good quality of it more then makes up for any short falls.

The electric car I am designing and building is specified to take two Bromptons in the luggage area.
I'm a bit of a fan, as I'm sure you can tell.