For 3 years, motorcyclists in the Bega Valley - which is situated in the SE corner of NSW, and is the commercial centre for the popular Sapphire Coast region, including Merimbula, Eden and Tathra – have been trying to persuade their local Shire Council to create dedicated motorcycle parking in the main Street of Bega.
According to 1997 RTA statistics 5.6% of passenger vehicle registrations in the Bega Valley were motorcycles and 12.4% of new passenger vehicle registrations in the Bega Valley in 2007 were motorcycles. Thousands more motorcycles pass through this popular area either for day trips, on holidays, or on their way to and from Phillip Island.
Success seemed to be in sight when last October the mayor invited motorcycle representatives to meet with him and senior officials. It was agreed that motorcycle parking is a good idea and
• Can utilize spaces that are not suitable for other vehicles
• Can utilize spaces that are otherwise not utilized
• Frees up conventional parking spaces for use by other vehicles
• Encourages a mode of transport that uses less resources
• Encourages passing motorcycle tourists to stop and patronize local cafes etc
The mayor asked the motorcyclist representatives to put their suggestions in writing, and in subsequent meetings with council officials detailed plans were drawn up for 9 spaces to be created in the main street, without reducing the number of car parking spaces.
To the amazement of those involved the Council’s Traffic Committee has now decided that there isn't a need or demand to justify motorcycle parking.
Your help is needed to demonstrate that there is a need and a demand.
If you live in or holiday in the Bega region, or if you are one of the thousands who pass through the town on your way to or from the MotoGP or Superbikes at Phillip Island, please send an email to
council@begavalley.nsw.gov.au
with a copy to
melanie_musgrove@rta.nsw.gov.au
and tell them politely that it is time Bega joined the 21st century as other Councils are doing all over the country. Please also pass this request on to other motorcyclists and motorcycle forums.
Something along these lines might be appropriate, or better still use your own words:
Dear Cr Allen (Shire Mayor) and Mr Tegart (General Manager)
As a regular visitor to Bega on my motorcycle I think it is time dedicated motorcycle parking was provided in the main street. Councils all over the country are creating dedicated motorcycle parking and I am surprised and disappointed that Bega Council’s Traffic Committee has decided that there is no need or demand. Motorcycle usage in the Bega Valley Shire is very high, with a high percentage of registered motorcycles and thousands more visiting or passing through.
Motorcycle parking can be created in spaces that are not suitable for other vehicles, frees up conventional parking spaces for use by other vehicles, encourages a mode of transport that uses less resources and encourages passing motorcycle tourists to stop and patronize local cafes etc.
I urge the Council to provide dedicated motorcycle parking as soon as possible.
Yours sincerely
Linear Mode
