Parking

pcbikedude · Post by **pcbikedude** » Sun Jul 01, 2007 11:57 pm

(Sunday afternoon rant)
I think we should start lobbying some shopping centers and stores about providing scooter/motorcycle parking. I'm worried that some fool will pull into a space thinking it was empty and knock over my Buddy.

Only 1 store in our area provides special parking. As hated as they are, only Walmart has motorcycle parking. But it is way off to the side. Oh well at least they tried.

Hey, we're saving gas and the environment shouldn't we get preferential parking?

I know, I know wishful thinking. But I will drop my mall a hint.

captaintg · Post by **captaintg** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 1:00 am

I usually park on the sidewalk in front (just to the side of the entrance) of shopping centers, etc. I figure they're private property, so the police won't ticket me, and the store should be happy that I'm inside spending money. I haven't had any trouble so far, but I do make sure I'm not blocking anyone or anything.

My complaint is with city parking. There are some dedicated, free motorcycle spots in Downtown Boulder, but there should be more! The buddy could fit in many places that are striped yellow zones (presumably to prevent big cars from trying to squeeze in where they won't fit). I am certain if I parked there I would have a ticket before I had the center stand all the way down.

BlueMark · Post by **BlueMark** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 1:27 am

captaintg wrote:I usually park on the sidewalk in front (just to the side of the entrance) of shopping centers, etc.

I often do the same. Motorcycle parking spaces are almost unknown around here - and people don't even know what scooters are.

At many stores there is a large space on the front sidewalk, usually with a bicycle rack nearby, that is far enough out of the way from the entrance that you won't be menacing pedestrians. I figure that is a far better place for scooters and even motorcycles to park than to piss off motorists by taking up an entire car space in an overcrowded parking lot with a little bike.

The first time I park in such a place at a store I make it a point to find the nearest employee to ask if parking there is a problem. A few times I've gone to the service desk to check with a manager while also suggesting that designated motorcycle and scooter parking is a great idea - 5 two wheel vehicles can park in the same space as a single car, and motorcyclists and scooterists will make it a point to patronize stores that make them welcome.

pcbikedude · Post by **pcbikedude** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 3:34 am

I haven't been brave enough to park on the sidewalks yet.

I guess the only way is to verbally let them know that riders are patronizing their businesses. They could get more business if they make it more accessible.

I probably will not ask Costco for motorcycle spots. I can't get a case of water on the back of my Buddy. It probably would flip me over or leave a 3 mile trail of water bottles.

I need to say that my employer does provide premo spots in the parking garage for motorcycles. Free too. I hate to drive my cage any longer because I have to park way on the other side of the freeway.

Tbone · Post by **Tbone** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 4:58 pm

Double check with the business as well. It's a little "You don't want to draw attention to yourself" kind of a thing but depending on the establishment...

Many are considered "private property" and you are subjected to the rules of that establishment. IF someone were to complain about your bike...it could get towed with little recourse on your end.

That being said, I tend to park in "compact" spots if available. I turn the bike around and actually bring it out closer to the end of the stall versus pulling in and parking at the front end of the stall. I want people to see my bike.

I have and will continue to park near bike racks/infront of stores. I know and accept this "risk". I figured the places I do that, I continue to frequent. If the establishment has an issue, I'll move.

cowgirl helmet · Post by **cowgirl helmet** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 3:12 am

My employer also provides free garage parking for motorcycles and motor scooters. So far my Buddy is the only scoot I've seen in the motorcycle area.

This is a sweet deal, especially since (1) if you drive a cage, you can't park in the garage unless you're either part of a carpool or a muckity-muck, and all those spaces are already allotted -- there's a waiting list; and (2) other area garages charge around $15/day to park a car.

In Silver Spring, the Discovery Channel building has bike parking out in front, and there's always at least one scooter parked there. I've seen a pink Schwinn -- a Schwinn! -- and a blue Honda Metro. Another scoot too -- I forget which kind. No other Buddies though.

pcbikedude · Post by **pcbikedude** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 3:58 pm

At my second job, for fun job at the gym, will let me park on the sidewalk. Wooohoooo!

Now not only I get paid to workout but I get a great parking spot!

un_designer · Post by **un_designer** » Fri Jul 13, 2007 9:10 pm

i started parking on sidewalks this week. so far so good. i try to find places on the sidewalk that are out of the way, or where no one is likely to be walking on. luckily it's a lot easier here so far than it is in san francisco, for the store and general errands, because everyone drive here. i'm still a little paranoid that my license is still visible and that some cop might come by and give me a ticket, though.