BIKEPGH MESSAGE BOARD ARCHIVE

I think in general that as long as you're using a quality u-lock, there's not a problem with locking in the public spaces. I don't know of any public changing spaces, or a good alternative to office/bathroom stall if you don't have such a facility where you work. That might be a cool thing to lobby for with the Parking Authority though. They've done a pretty good job at adding high quality bike parking. Maybe they could find room for a small changing area in the garage (though it would probably need to be key access only).

Hotels might also offer access to their exercise (& shower/locker room) areas for a monthly fee.

Changing, cleaning up: I keep a change of clothes at my desk (two, actually). While I do have a changing room available, I find I don't need a full shower once I get there, just a wipe-down with a wet paper towel, then change into my at-work clothes, and stick the rest in a bag for the day. Change back into sweaty stuff at day's end, bike home, and get a good shower when you get home. Do ask about obtaining access to a proper locker room, though. Locks: What they said. Forget cables. Spend $30 and get a decent U-lock. Then memorize this mantra: "Through the frame, through the rear wheel, around the rack, and test the lock. Every time."

This old thread suggests the YMCA and other possibilities.

+1 for handicapped stall and changes of clothes at work. Also, wash cloth and deoderant. But if I had to fit in a second shower every day I'd definitely bike less. I don't know if you have much climbing on the way in, but if you don't and you take it easy on the way in, decent chance that'll take care of you for all but the peak of summer. Also helps a lot to bike in earlier in the morning when the weather starts getting hot.

I find that baby wipes work much better than moist paper towels. I don't know of any shower/locker room options downtown. I remember talking with a developer who once considered such an option, but their big hesitation was the cost of heating the water for showers, and duration of showers. They thought that made "pricing" this sort of option problematic. Public racks are what they are....public. Lock your bike well, don't keep anything valuable attached to it during the day, and you should be fine. I used the Bike Center on 7th for a couple of years and loved it. It was worth the cost to me. But, we moved the office, and it is now a mile from the office, so I gave up my membership. What I liked best about it was: - I could use a less substantial lock, and leave the lock there. - I could leave a few biking essentials there (a tube, a jacket, etc) - I could leave my bike overnight without worry, if I needed to - I ran into great people on most days of the week

Parking: Depends on how nice your rig is, your level of paranoia or lack thereof, and your tolerance for the possibility it might be taken. There are good public places, and not so good places to lock up. +1 for the U-lock, my level of paranoia is slightly higher, I use locking skewers & a locking seatpost collar, too. That's been adequate, to date, assuming I pull any loose bits off and take them with me. Changing room: The Y is right there, I think there are some gyms nearby, depending on your needs and budget. How far is your commute? In-bound for me is downhill, so if I ease up, sweat is minimal and I've commuted in wearing dress clothes & a suit and tie, when it's been necessary on occasion. Typically I come in already dressed in "business casual attire" with the caveat that I have spare clothes stashed at the office with a pair of dress shoes to swap out with cycling shoes.

The Parking Authority's 3rd Ave Garage, where the bike parking section is, has a mens and women's bathroom next to the guard station that can be used. If you get the premium parking on the inside of the gate, there are lockers there that you can use (BYO lock) as well.

Thanks for all the helpful replies. I'm less concerned about an actual shower. I really just want a place to change. I'll check out the Parking Authority Garage.

Anyone know of bike parking options near the greyhound station? I called the PGH Parking for the Grant Street garage but they don't offer a bike rack.

There is one at the Amtrak station across the street. Link to the other photo: http://localhost/mb/topic/grant-st-transportation-center-garage-racks/#post-300841

@StuInMcCandless Thank you!