Im probably in the minority with this one but apparently bringing your bicycle into Safeway is frowned upon by the manager. This was news to me as I have been doing this for the last 2 years, and it certainly isnt the first time he's seen me. Especially considering that I visit the store at least 3 times a week.
Its not as though I bring my bike into every store I visit. If there is a bike rack I lock it up outside, and if Im only going to be a minute I'll just leave it outside unlocked (with my fingers crossed that its still outside when Im finished). Safeway however doesnt have a bike rack outside. The closest thing to something to lock up to is a large concrete or steel bar that is directly in the walking path of people entering the store. It seems to be more of a pita for other shoppers to go around my bike with a shopping cart than it is for me to bring it in the store.
The argument that the bike is dirty, etc is nullified when you consider that the grocery carts are not washed on any basis, and strollers carry just as many germs if not more than a bicycle will.
The most amusing thing about the situation was that I told the manager that I would simply begin shopping elsewhere, and he was okay with it. I guess Safeway is doing just fine without my $500 a month.
