Shops that discriminate against cyclists

we should go down to harrods en mass and hold some sort of a bike protest... not coz i really give a fuck, but i like a big bike meet almost as much as i like kicking up a fuss!

I like this idea. I had never thought of it like that when being given shit.

mm. the problem is also that wheeling a bike around a potentially crowed shop is that it gets in people's way, catches on things and can generally be a bit of a pain in the arse.

Who would wann ride a bike into a shop anyway, what for?

Who would wanna ride a bike into a shop anyway, what for?

Oh, there's always somebody:

Didn't they use these to hijack the 9/11 flights?

I am not sure, the only way you could hurt someone is if you poked them in the eye or tried cutting their throat after filing the metal part in such a manner to make it sharp (You can take the blade over you skin and it won't even leave a mark, tip is about 2mm or 3mm thick).

Also it is some crappy mild steel (I would expect it to be detected by a metal detector).

Scarily if this is true, half the male tesco work force that is under 19 are pretending to slice eat others faces with them when taking a skiv with something which is potentially lethal.

Now that is an idea. Pictures of members track standing in the most unlikely departments of posh shops that hate cyclists. Any one for lingerie at Harvey Nicks?

I've taken my bike into both BLB and LFC without anyone mentioning it. Maybe i've just been lucky and it's been dead in there when i pitched up. +1 whoever said that staff have been nothing but awesome in there. They are. I like to take my bike in places, only corner shops, post office bank etc where i'm only gonna be a few mins but wouldn't be offended if i was denied either...

Random crap story about Harrods.
Back in the good old days before the smoking ban me and a few uni mates got dressed up to the nines and mooched around fayeds corner shop for the afternoon. Got offered help from all the staff in every department(we looked fucking ace), mate of mine tried on about 1/4millions worth of diamonds etc.
Then went for afternoon tea(as one does) in the lounge upstairs, requested Bing Crosby from the pianist as it was my friends birthday, then when the Jamaican coffees arrived we pulled out a couple cheeky secret spliffs in a menthol kingsize with menthol baccy and proceeded to get utterly battered. No-one so much as batted an eyelid or looked twice. Even when serving up the cakes. 6 people, 3j's and a great memory.

Now that is an idea. Pictures of members track standing in the most unlikely departments of posh shops that hate cyclists. Any one for lingerie at Harvey Nicks?

I think that sounds like a challenge..... That would be even better fun on here than trying to get 20,000 posts:P
Hippy you can get started now;D

how about the toff shop track stand alleycat?

Go out in pairs and record each other seeing how long you can get in each shop without being kicked out or just nocked over.
:P

There's a cycle shop inside Selfridges, does Harrods have the same?

Are cyclists allowed to take their bikes to these branches for repairs?

If so, is it back alley and service entrances for these paying customers?

Random crap story about Harrods.
Back in the good old days before the smoking ban me and a few uni mates got dressed up to the nines and mooched around fayeds corner shop for the afternoon. Got offered help from all the staff in every department(we looked fucking ace), mate of mine tried on about 1/4millions worth of diamonds etc.
Then went for afternoon tea(as one does) in the lounge upstairs, requested Bing Crosby from the pianist as it was my friends birthday, then when the Jamaican coffees arrived we pulled out a couple cheeky secret spliffs in a menthol kingsize with menthol baccy and proceeded to get utterly battered. No-one so much as batted an eyelid or looked twice. Even when serving up the cakes. 6 people, 3j's and a great memory.

Good work.

mm. the problem is also that wheeling a bike around a potentially crowed shop is that it gets in people's way, catches on things and can generally be a bit of a pain in the arse.

and... the problem is also that riding a bike around a potentially crowed street is that it gets in people's way, catches on things and can generally be a bit of a pain in the arse.

and... the problem is also that riding a bike around a potentially crowed street is that it gets in people's way, catches on things and can generally be a bit of a pain in the arse.

wait, you ride on pavements?

mm. the problem is also that wheeling a bike around a potentially crowed shop is that it gets in people's way, catches on things and can generally be a bit of a pain in the arse.

and... the problem is also that riding a bike around a potentially crowed street is that it gets in people's way, catches on things and can generally be a bit of a pain in the arse.

They may look menacing, but I think you'll both find that they'll just fly away. Clever things, crows.

They may look menacing, but I think you'll both find that they'll just fly away. Clever things, crows.

http://mahmood.tv/2007/07/10/the-birds/

Best crow picture I've ever seen, no contest.

http://www.furry.org.au/kangaroos/other/crows.html

The manager in Cycle Surgery in West Hampstead was quite arsey with me when I went in there to buy some tyres and tubes for a bike I'd just bought from a forumenger and wanted to put them on in the shop (it was raining outside). It's not the biggest shop in the world, but as it was a rainy Sunday afternoon and not that busy, so I didn't see what the problem was.

Haha some difference from my Lbs, I buy a tyre or two and they put them on for me for free.
Free air and everything:D

Haha some difference from my Lbs, I buy a tyre or two and they put them on for me for free.
Free air and everything:D

Maybe if I lived in West Hampstead they would have been nicer to me, but I live down in SE1. You'd have thought that spending £40 odd quid would have qualified me for a bit of service, beyond the loan of a pump.

I just sent this to Harrods:

I had a horrendous experience with the security men at Harrods on New Years Eve.
At the first door I am refused entry for inappropriate footwear - my cycling shoes. I was told they were a health and safety hazard despite have a recessed cleat and full rubber sole. I explained this to the doorman to no avail so tried the next door along.
Greeted by doorman with "excuse me sir, do you know what happens next?"
"Yes, I am going shopping."
"No you are not, as you are in work attire"
"Excuse me, but do you know what I do for a living?"
"I have a good idea what you do."
Me "really, so you guessed that I am a civil servant who works for the New Zealand government and that I have my full work ID with me?"
The door man then picks up the phone, and starts saying to his colleagues "is this the one, can I get some help please?"
I waived at him and said "while you are on the phone I will go shopping, we can finish this chat later."
I completed my shopping - I knew exactly what I wanted which was a pair of Prada sport trousers and found the guard as I was leaving. I tapped him on the shoulder and said "I've done my shopping, thanks for your contribution to the experience".
I am not sure why Harrods does not want people who cycle in the store, especially as you sell bicycles.
This is not the first time I have had this type of experience, I have previously been refused entry for having a courier bag on my back. As someone who cycles long distances around London for my commute the courier bag is the most sensible option.
If you do not want cyclists in your shop I would suggest you should stop selling bikes and make it clear on the door that we are not welcome. To be given inconsistent excuses as to why my custom is not wanted in the shop is really quite offensive.

Not sure they will give a damn about it.

I knew exactly what I wanted which was a pair of Prada sport trousers

That was the best bit of the story.

good work.

wait, you ride on pavements?

Wierd, I've never met you but I thought I spotted you riding down the pavement west along Bethnal Green road just after BLB, yesterday. Either that or someone else has got one of those really nice front racks just like yours.

sexist