Cycling in Seattle (live, shops, safety)

[Guerita]

I keep reading about how Seattle and Portland, OR are so cyclist friendly and have seen pics of people cycling around town. Now, pardon my ignorance as I have not been to the PNW since I was very young and don't recall, but are there places to park the bikes? Ex are there racks outside the local stores/coffee shops, etc? What about going to work? Do corporations provide spots for them, etc? The idea of a "cyclist friendly" town appeals to me, but wondering about the practacal side?

Also, what about the rain? Do people just not cycle in that or they get used to it? I can't imagine showing up to work in my suit on a bicycle in the rain!

Thanks!

[scirocco22]

Most major employers I know of provide bike racks and encourage the use of biking to work. I'll leave it to others to provide input on the parking situation at stores and coffee shops.

The times I used to do it and those I know who bike to work, usually have a change of clothes at work. That way, you can wear your "bike clothes" while riding and then have your suit hanging in your locker at work, etc.

You'll see many diehard cyclist biking in the rain but I tended not to do it for safety reasons.

[martina26]

Ahhh, a cyclist! If you live up on Capital Hill then you will be very welcome! The cyclists here are very aggressive and don't follow the rules of the roads, run thru red lights, cycle right in front your car going slow and nearly causing accidents!