When you’re on the road, riding a motorcycle gives you a sense of liberation that you won’t get anyplace else. The freedom may extend to how you park your bike.
Most riders tend to be regularly bewildered as to which approach is correct and wrong to park their motorcycles. And as a motorcycle enthusiast, I took it upon myself to investigate proper motorcycle parking etiquette to help you avoid violation tickets.
5 Proper Motorcycle Parking Etiquettes
1. Parking Motorcycle on Sidewalks
Parking a motorcycle on the sidewalk is illegal. Most motorcycle riders keep doing it because they “get away with it” and “haven’t gotten a ticket yet.” While this may be true, it is prohibited to park a motorcycle on any sidewalk unless explicitly permitted by the premises management.
Riders frequently park on sidewalks, particularly in front of big grocery shops and shopping malls. The justification is to avoid some goons picking up your prized two-wheeler with an unmarked white van. If you own a motorcycle, you’ve most likely done it yourself. But just because your vehicle is smaller doesn’t mean it is not in the way of pedestrians and people in wheelchairs.
2. Motorcycle Parking in Between Cars in Metered Parking
It is illegal to park a motorcycle between two cars in metered parking. Motorcycle owners sometimes ponder over metered parking and the many assumptions regarding what a motorcycle can and cannot accomplish in this parking arrangement.
Motorcyclists frequently park between two automobiles parked in metered parking spaces. Again, motorcyclists will often claim that they get away with it, although there are several dangers associated with parking in this manner.
Because authorities may not see the motorcycle parked there, many motorcyclists get away with it. However, if one of the cars moves, you’re judged to be parked in an unpaid place, which would undoubtedly result in a penalty.
Related: Parking a Motorcycle in a Car Space?
3. Parking on Stripped Areas
It is also unlawful to park a motorcycle in striped zones, and you risk receiving a penalty. Many riders claim to have parked in situations like this numerous times without receiving a ticket. Not only do you run the danger of getting a citation, but it’s also rude.
The majority of striped parking places are designated for handicapped parking. All striped areas surrounding a handicapped parking place are allocated to provide disabled people with the space they need to enter and exit their car safely.
There are times you will be tempted to park on stripped areas because you feel that the space is empty and the bike is not really in the way. It would be best to resist the urge because striped areas are for special purposes, such as allowing disabled persons to board and alight their vehicles safely.
So, now that you know where not to pack your bike, here are the acceptable places to do it;
4. Parking By the Curb
Sometimes we have no choice except to park beside the curb. Fortunately, parking a motorcycle here is entirely lawful provided there are no “No Parking” signs or the curb is unmarked.
When parking a motorcycle on a curb that connects to a busy street, be careful because some careless motorists may bump into your bike. Avoid parking your bike parallel to the curb. Instead, you can have it at 45 degrees so that it’s not sticking straight out.
5. Parking in Normal Parking Spots
Motorcycles can park in regular parking spots. This parking comes recommended even though utilitarian tendencies annoy other motorists who feel like the bikes are not using up much of the space.
The truth is that your bike is a vehicle, and you have the right to pick a spot and park there if you get there first, just like anyone else. Don’t try to be nice because you will annoy some people no matter where you park.
Riders fear that motorists will ram their bikes, not realizing that the space is already taken. To avert this disaster, you can park your bike a little closer to the entrance of the parking slot so that drivers can see it.
Bottom Line
In general, motorcycles must adhere to the same parking regulations as any other wheeled vehicle. Do not park on pavements or striped areas unless explicitly advertised or approved by the property or company owner. Pay is required in any commercial parking areas or metered spots.
About the author: Michael Parrotte was the Vice President of AGV Helmets America, and a consultant for KBC Helmets, Vemar Helmets, Suomy Helmets, Marushin Helmets, KYT Helmets, Sparx Helmets. In addition, he is the founder and owner of AGV Sports Group.
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