Triumphrat

Strontje · 07-09-2006

I do both, too, but I do often park on the sidewalks of businesses. I'll only do it if I can find a spot out of the way of obvious foot traffic.

Recently, I parked on the sidewalk at a Home Depot. When I came out, there were 2 employees standing by it, one appeared to be a manager. I walked up to the bike and played stupid. "Should I not be parking here?" The manager replied that it's not really allowed, but since it's a Triumph, he'd let it pass. :-D

FattRat · 07-09-2006

I am soooo totally baffled that the topic of parking one's motorcycle where IT OUGHT NOT BE PARKED can be discussed seriously as a motorcyclists God-given right!?!?!?

Can pedestrians in turn fully expect that they should be allowed to walk in the middle of public roads, yielded to, and driven around by motor vehicles?

I too am annoyed by not only cars in the neighborhood parked half way up on the sidewalk (partially or fully obstructing it), but also by motorcyclists who ACTUALLY BELIEVE they are doing no harm by parking a
M O T O R C Y C L E
on the sidewalk.

I parked on the sidewalk because there was another bike parked up there when I went to Zeitgeist's, and there was nowhere else in front to conveniently and temporarily park...... but only long enough to go in and ask if it is customary or if I was courting a citation.

Have motorcyclists who have answered that they see no problem parking on a sidewalk, actually be serious about feeling it is within their right, and do it with NO GUILT????? If in fact you claim as such..... I frankly don't believe you.

Mancha · 07-09-2006

Quote:

Have motorcyclists who have answered that they see no problem parking on a sidewalk, actually be serious about feeling it is within their right, and do it with NO GUILT?????

You're absolutely right--every time I park on the sidewalk I walk away with a little guilt. As I implied, I only do it when my black leather jacket has been having a bad effect on my brain. :-D I don't do it very often though.

FattRat · 07-09-2006

Mancha,
Now THAT I believe!

Copping to an "attitude" is honest, brazen, and stuff of 'bikers.' It's part of the reason I'm sporting a shaved head right now..... ATTITUDE! (and it's at nobody else's expense nor inconvenience)

But as you suggest, it's harder to pull off biker'tude when wearing pretty First Gear Mesh and BMW "street sneakers." Thus where a shaved head and dark glasses comes into play.

Now if only I could only learn to wipe the silly boyish grin off my face.......

mecscc · 07-09-2006

I NEVER park on a public sidewalk. It is against the law and I don't need a bloody ticket. Around here you get one if you try that. I know. Personal experience is a remarkable teacher.

BUT, almost all the parking lots here are blacktop and most, I hate to say it, "motorcyclists" are incredibly dense when it comes to carrying a "cycle foot" or other side stand pad with them. (Can that really be so HARD to do? Is it a right to be inconsiderate of the business' property to say nothing of the possibility of the bike tipping over as it sinks into the ooze of asphalt on a hot day?)

So most of the businesses and our only big Mall encourage us to park on the concrete sidewalk, and even designate areas of sidewalk where we can park.

Wal-Mart here had an interesting situation. When they first build the new Wal-Mart they encouraged us to park near the building on the wide cement "sidewalk" in front. Then, after a couple of hot months and bikes also parking out in the regular car lot and tearing holes in their brand new asphalt lot, they got a really brilliant idea and came in and made four two parking spaces wide cement parking pads in the four rows immediately in front of the building. These are clearly marked "MOTORCYCLE PARKING ONLY"

Happy ending, Right? Well, only sometimes. Half the time there is a ratty pickup truck or old minivan parked squarely in the center of the new motorcycle parking pad!

Go figure.

Monte

Ridge · 07-09-2006

*Sigh* Take a deep breath guys.

Look just to be clear, I am NOT parking on Public sidewalks. I am talking about the concrete areas in front of many of the retail stores where it will NOT BE AN IMPEDIMENT TO PEDESTRIANS. Nor am I advocating that anyone should.

Allow me to illustrate where my God Given Right allows me to park without the slightest guilt:

Now if that bothers anyone, they can stick it. I've seen a car hit a 1150GS when it's driver was too busy talking on a cell to bother checking if the parking space was occupied. After risking my life on the road with these idiots everyday, you're darn right I feel I can do what I like. It doesn't hurt anyone, or interfere with pedestrian traffic in any way and keeps me and my ride safe.

If retailers won't provide motorcycle parking, I'll make my own.

[ This message was edited by: Ridge on 2006-07-09 16:20 ]

mecscc · 07-09-2006

That area is exactly the area I said most of the retailers around here encourage us to park. It saves the parking lot from being torn up. I have never had one tell me not to park on concrete up near the building.

Monte

Hiltz · 07-09-2006

I agree with all the cautionary posts re alcohol consumption. I will also avoid that bar in Stockton that permits smoking in violation of California statutes.

Strontje · 07-09-2006

Thanks, Ridge. Pretty much what I was going to say.

ThruxtonMI · 07-09-2006

You guys are cracking me up. I actually work for a big box retailer. I just had some 'motorcycle parking' signs made so that i can set up a motorcycle parking area made of up of some of the front parking spaces off to the side. I am a little concerned that some of the employyes that drive cars to work wil be envious and think it is inappropriate to have a special parking lot for motorcycles.