12 Tips On Getting Motorcycle Parking

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1. If motorcycles are banned from a parking garage or lot, contact the facility manager to find out why. If the issue is liability, suggest some of the following: Set aside parking areas near the entrances/exits so that motorcycles don't have to pass under the gate's control arm, shorten the control gate arm so the operator can pass around it, even when it's closed, make curb cuts in the concrete/asphalt to allow motorcycles to bypass the gates altogether, allow riders to sign liability waiver, absolving the parking facility of any responsibility for the control gates operation.
   If the issue is noise, suggest one or more of the following options: Post signs that motorcycles are permitted, but local noise ordinances will be strictly enforced, promptly reporting violators to security or local police.
2. Point out that dedicated motorcycle parking spaces mean more regular parking spaces for four-wheeled vehicles. More vehicles mean more revenue.
3. Suggest a trial period (say, six months) during which motorcycle parking will be permitted in the facility, and then deal with problems as they surface, perhaps through regular meetings with the facility manager. At the end of the trial period, review issues from riders and facility staff with managers, and work constructively to evaluate the results and assist in taking corrective action on any deficiencies identified by parking facility staff and management.
4. Create a coalition of motorcyclists and bicyclists to lobby for the change in parking policy. Bicycle parking may be included in the plan, if there is sufficient interest. After all, there is strength in numbers.
5. Identify areas within the garage or surface lot where four-wheeled vehicles can't park. Suggest these areas be striped and designated as motorcycle/scooter only parking areas. These added spaces mean more revenue.
6. Provide examples of what other parking facilities, particularly those in the same area, have done to accommodate motorcycles and scooters. This shows that nearby facilities have successfully addressed the issues associated with motorcycle and scooter parking.
7. At work, enlist the help of your work management team and your Human Resources Department to push for motorcycle and scooter parking.
8. If you work in the public or government sector, consider contacting your state senator or representative to lobby for dedicated motorcycle parking in public facilities.
9. Download and print articles and documents on motorcycle parking, including those from overseas, to pass along to parking facility managers. A simple Google search using "motorcycle parking" will yield a treasure trove of materials, primarily from the public section, including recommendations on size, surface materials, security, and other issues related to motorcycle parking.
10. Look to progressive cities for guidance on how they addressed motorcycle parking.
11. Don't ignore on-street parking. Identifying areas where four-wheeled vehicles won't fit is a good starting point. Consider designated motorcycle parking (together with a pre-paid permit system, using a sticker on the front fork) to relieve commuters from having to use a metered system.
12. Contact local government officials (mayor's office, city council members, traffic and parking office, city engineer, etc.) to lobby for motorcycle parking areas on public property. Many elected and appointed officials don't know there's a motorcycle parking problem because they don't ride.