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Up to the store manager
Years ago there was a parking dispute outside the store my dad operated and the police was called. The police told everyone that the parking lot was considered private property (with exceptions) and the parking location was subject to store management’s discretion. I’ve seen mc parked on sidewalks outside businesses and nobody paid attention to it. Of course, you don’t want it to be in the way and force people to get off the sidewalk and walk in the driveway. It’s best to check with the store manager to get his ok.
Depends on the location. My
Depends on the location. My understanding is that it is typically illegal but that enforcement can vary greatly from location to location. Places like Walmart are considered private property so the parking regulations are entirely up to them. I could see one store turning a blind eye but another calling the tow truck. Outside of mall type locations sidewalks fall under the control of the local city or township, and enforcement will come under police jurisdiction (I think!). But again it all depends on the prevailing attitude. Are people happy that you leave a space for a car or do they see you as flouting the rules?
In short, I would do as others do. If no-one else is parking on the sidewalks I would say you are taking a risk. It also depends on the bike as there is a big difference between a small scooter and a Gold Wing.
As for your helmet getting stolen, I wouldn't think parking location is going to help much. Either invest in lockable luggage or a specialized helmet lock (or take it with you).
I think local laws may vary..
...from State to State and maybe even from city to city, town to town. So it is always a good idea to check your local laws.
In Denver sidewalk parking is limited to 50cc engines and below as long as they don't obstruct pedestrian traffic. They will regularly cite motorcycles for sidewalk parking. As Eon mentions sometimes sidewalks fall under different jurisdictions, which may even prevent the parking of 50cc and below scooters. Some of them are private property, others are considered to be fire lanes, some have other restrictions imposed by local ordinance, some storefronts and the sidewalks in front of them belong to a property management company rather than the store owner.
As you mention, it is always a good idea to check with the store manager, but keep in mind that sometimes the store manager doesn't *really* have the right to give an OK. IF that sidewalk is a fire lane or falls under local jurisdiction as Eon mentions, the store manager may just be giving you his blessing to park at your own risk and you may find a citation on your bike to greet your return. Unfortunately a "Well they have never ticked anyone for parking here before" from the store owner won't get you out of a ticket :)
If you ride like there's no tomorrow, there won't be. ~Author Unknown
Parking your ride
In downtown areas I've always sought out and parked next to bicycle racks, well out of pedestrian traffic. That has served me well and never had a parking ticket from it.
On one occasion I was parked next to a friends motorcycle; his helmet strap was cut and helmet stolen, mine was left, his had one of those $300 paint schemes and mine is pearl white with BMW stickers on it. The moral of the story; buy a plain helmet and personalize it, or park next to a nicer one, otherwise take it with you.
Thoughts
I'd say if you're worried about your bike at a place with a big parking lot like you mention, park in a regular lane in the midst of other cars (the busy area). Look for luxury cars, sports cars or well-maintained cars to park around; stay away from family cars, junkers, big trucks, etc. Park in the middle of the spot.
That way, less of a chance of someone accidentially knocking it over, and the constant traffic of people is a nice deterrent to theives.
Once of my favorite places (for both my car and my bike) are the spots right next to the cart corrals. Always have people around them, and if someone's the type to the go to the trouble of bringing a cart back (cf. the douchebags who just leave them in the lot), they're less likely to actually try to ram it into your vehicle or steal something. Also, you have another vehicle on only one side of you.
Be sure to examine the grading in the parking lot too, so you don't park on the downhill where a stray cart can get ya (in that case, I park on the OTHER side of the corral, so that any rolling cart will hit it first).
Quote "Look for luxury cars"
He did mention Walmart so he might be there some time!
Ha!
I suppose I was subconsciously thinking Target on that one, whereas the "big trucks" was for Walmart?
http://www.theonion.com/content/news_briefs/wal_mart_shoppers_mocked_by
Helmet Security..
.. what I do with my helmet when I am running into a store such as Target, the grocery store, Home Depot, whatever is run a cable through it. I have a 5/8 steel cable lock I run through the opening of the full face helmet then around the frame. Somebody could still cut it I suppose, but it will take a lot more effort than cutting the strap. I figure it is at least safer than the D-Ring locks.
I have been thinking about buying one of the helmet secure locks. I am sure it isn't as safe as the 5/8" cable as it appears much thinner, but still far safer than locking it only by the strap and it looks a little neater (more finished) than that big-ass ratchet cable I currently use.
http://www.helmetsecure.com/
Anyone have one of these that could offer any 1st hand experience?
If you ride like there's no tomorrow, there won't be. ~Author Unknown
Don't most bikes have a helmet lock?
My bike (SV650s) has a helmet lock tab under the back seat (or seat cowling). 2 of them, in fact. Looks like a steel hook that doesn't go to anything, but the helmet buckle fit over it, and then the seat locks on top, making it impossible to take the helmet unless one cuts the strap. So if any one tries to sell a helmet without the straps (yes, I've seen it on CL), it's almost 100% chance to b stolen.
Not sure about most ...
... I think they are primarily found on Japanese bikes, and not even all of those. I have no idea which percent has them vs not. Even on the bikes that do have them, sometimes they are blocked if you add bags to the bike. My wife's bike has them, but they are not accessible with the hard luggage. She does the same thing I do, puts the cable through the helmet. It won't stop someone from vandalizing your helmet if they want to. But it is definitely safer than using the D-Ring lock, as you say people cut them and you do see them for sale on CL and the like. Unfortunately, since you can buy replacement hardware for helmets missing the D-Ring, there is a market for them. I am sure people buy stuff on eBay and CL all the time that they are pretty sure is stolen. If the price is right, someone will buy it.
If you ride like there's no tomorrow, there won't be. ~Author Unknown
How to turn a $300 helmet into a $15 POS
Cut the straps. The intelligence of some thieves is just unbelievable.
Reminds me of the time someone broke into my car at a mall and the stole a few old cassette tape (dating myself) and a pair of prescription glasses. The glasses were worth several hundred to me, but $0 to the thief. Total loser.
I lock mine under my seat
I lock mine under my seat
That wouldn't work too well for my seat...
... not unless I decide to start wearing a leather football helmet :)
If you ride like there's no tomorrow, there won't be. ~Author Unknown
Hard case bags
I put mine in the left side hard case. The right side is typically occupied by my wife's helmet and gear.
I've seen a few bikes on
I've seen a few bikes on sidewalks here- I always figured I might when I finally got around to riding... but I don't- i park fairly far away from heavy traffic.
I just picked up a cable lock that I'll be using for the bikes- lock them at home together and then I'll lock it around the frame through the wheel when I'm out.... its simple but its better than nothing and its a step up from what I want and on my way to a disc lock/alarm.. which is what I really want- I figure if they really want it they'll take it no matter what
jacket and helmet go with me EVERYWHERE. just can't justify leaving it.. shivies me out
Dancing, playing with my pony and playing with my lady.
Work hard, play hard
Life is sweet... very sweet.