Why stop at the sidewalk? I like to whip right in the doors and park at the customer service desk...
Seriously...I park where I feel my bike is safest. Safest from cars hitting it..people touching it..people sitting on it...someone stealing it..someone messing with or stealing my helmet or other crap off it..
You want to park your bike between two cars or minivans or SUV's somewhere in the middle of a parking lot and leave it there nestled in the possible mayhem of half a dozen kids and they're dumb *** parents..go right ahead.
I park where I want and that's always where I feel my bike is safest and has the best chance of being there and exactly as I left it when I come out. It really is'nt a big deal....really, it is'nt...and if you think it is...you worry too damn much. But that's just me talking..

 

+1 -- but if that option isn't available, I'll park in a regular spot, just not so far into the spot that someone in a hurry won't see it before rushing in. Never had a problem, so far...

 

+1 same for me

 

How big is a WalMart, Lowes, Home Depot parking lot? I've never seen one where I couldn't park way off all by myself. Car or bike. I've never had to park between cars in one of their lots either.
Maybe someday I'll be as special as some of you guys and be able to park on the sidewalk?
I especially liked the poster who said he parks in the fire lane! Unbelievable!
Most of you guys are probably the same jerks that sit in the car right in front of the store waiting for your wife to pick up a "few" things.

 

I just hand mine off to the valet. It's easier that way.

 

That's my spot. Usually away from the main flow of traffic. If there is a light pole or curb next to it even better.
Now if you ride one of these then the sidewalk may be appropriate.

 

There is no protocol for parking in front of a store. Bikes must follow the same parking rules as cars.

 

I don't park on the sidewalk.

 

The protocol is don't do it. I don't know why anyone would want to park on the sidewalk anyway where people are walking around your bike. Seems like a good way to get it scratched or messed with. Plus, it gives us all negative attention.

 

A motorcycle is a motor vehicle and subject, for the most part, to the same laws as a cage. I park where it is legal to park. Nothing "special" about me or my bike.