Carrying Backpacks Inside Stores

[socalsurfer]

In the year or so that I've been a bike commuter I've had several run-ins with store managers who won't allow me to bring my backpack into their stores. My argument is always the same: "I'll leave my backpack at the front of the store as soon as you start making your women customers leave their purses there too." As valid as my point may be, it rarely ever gets anywhere. I just end up in a shouting match with the manager.

While some might argue that I'm better off not doing business with these huge, impersonal, bureaucratic, even evil companies -- and I wouldn't necessarily disagree -- I think we motorcycle activists should put up a fight on this issue. I resent being told by store managers that I'm not entitled to the same level of convenience and security -- because the "glove box" of my "car" happens to be a pouch or two in a back pack. And I resent the implication that, because I carry a backpack, I'm more likely to steal than a woman who carries a purse.

Sorry for the rant, but I'd be interested in knowing what other bikers think of this issue.

[NoisyDante]

Del Amo wanted me to leave my gloves, helmet, jacket, and bag at the door.  I get why they do it, but that doesn't me I like it.  It's an inconvenience to unload it all, and it makes me feel as though I'm being judged, like what about my appearance makes them thing my intentions are not honorable?

I don't shop at Del Amo for many other reasons in addition to that, but I can't say that practice will stop me from shopping at a store.  Not sure if ProItalia or Socal Ducati have those rules.  Sometimes it just can't be escaped.

[derby]

Del Amo wanted me to leave my gloves, helmet, jacket, and bag at the door.  I get why they do it, but that doesn't me I like it.  It's an inconvenience to unload it all, and it makes me feel as though I'm being judged, like what about my appearance makes them thing my intentions are not honorable?

I don't shop at Del Amo for many other reasons in addition to that, but I can't say that practice will stop me from shopping at a store.  Not sure if ProItalia or Socal Ducati have those rules.  Sometimes it just can't be escaped.

they actually have a gear check at the front of the store... i've never felt like they were doing it for any other reason than convenience...

guitarcenter, on the other hand...

[kopfjäger]

While some might argue that I'm better off not doing business with these huge, impersonal, bureaucratic, even evil companies -- and I wouldn't necessarily disagree -- I think we motorcycle activists should put up a fight on this issue. I resent being told by store managers that I'm not entitled to the same level of convenience and security -- because the "glove box" of my "car" happens to be a pouch or two in a back pack. And I resent the implication that, because I carry a backpack, I'm more likely to steal than a woman who carries a purse.

Tuff life eh? 

[He Man]

I dont like it. But what are you going to do? its their shop.

I had to PAY to get my helmet, my jacket seperately to get checked once, and they scratched my lens and they said to bad.

Thats why i now have a cheap helmet for my everyday stuff, and my nice helmet. and if they make me check my helmet, im making them check my jacket too. and then after he gets everything. im going to say i changed my mind and make him get everything out again.

[Popeye the Sailor]

I've never had this issue anywhere, in years of bike commuting.

[junior varsity]

Tuff life eh? 

I've never had this issue anywhere, in years of bike commuting.

Same here.

[DCXCV]

I have shopped at grocery stores using the pack as a shopping cart and never been hassled in that or any other situation.

Of course, if anyone did ask to hold my bag while I shopped I'd just assume it was because they don't enjoy giving away merchandise for free and they don't know if I'm a klepto.  

Then again, maybe you're just being repressed.

[He Man]

you should go back to the store with a massive dildo and like a bunch of used condoms, and when he tells you that you need to check your bag, tell him you need your bag because it contains private items, if he contests, tell him you need to pull these items out and then just throw it all on the floor, and make an awkward exit.

[Statler]

 I just end up in a shouting match with the manager.



  -- I think we motorcycle activists should put up a fight on this issue.  

as long as you're not one of the spokesmen.   how do you think a shouting match does anything but make a store manager likely to think he's right and now also thinks motorcyclists are pricks.

I was bike-only through college and grad school...I used to carry helmet myself, but approach either manager/security/customer service near front and ask if they had somewhere secure for me to leave backpack and jacket (florida and it was hot, so nice to not wear it inside).   So since you asked opinions mine is that it's either a non-issue, or you're looking for something trivial to make a big deal out of.    Sorry, Man.

[jim_0068]

um, unless there is a specific sign that says no bags i'm bringing mine in. Call the cops or have security follow me around i really don't care.

now if you KNOWINGLY go somewhere where they don't allow bags (man or women) then you don't have a case. For instance the chicago art musuem makes you check all bags so i'd know i'd have to check it.

[junior varsity]

i think claiming that its not fair that women are treated differently with their purses than men are with backpacks is beyond silly.

[somegirl]

I've only had a few stores (mostly music or book stores) ask me to check my backpack at the front and they do it for all bags (shopping bags from other stores, etc).  It never particularly bothered me, sometimes it's nice not to have to lug the 25-lb thing around the store.

My purse is the size of a man's wallet so I've never been asked to check it, can't comment on larger purses.

[kopfjäger]

i think claiming that its not fair that women are treated differently with their purses than men are with backpacks is beyond silly.

ya think  

[Statler]

It's a European man-tote.      and she said it made me look me look distinguished and sexy.