July 30, 2008
Scooter-Moving Fine?
Is there some widespread problem about town of which we're unaware, where motorists are indiscriminately moving scooters out of the way to park their cars? Maybe because we don't own a scooter, but we haven't heard about a city-wide uproar about this. Nonetheless, a fine is being discussed to put an end to this travesty.
The proposal came courtesy of Seattlest's actual favorite councilwoman Sally Clark, who told the Times: "If we are seeing that there are cases around the city that people are saying, 'That's cute that you have a scooter, but my car belongs there,' that's not OK." In order to be fined, a cop would have to catch you in action. But, if they do, it'll be $38 for you. $38! For moving a scooter a foot so you can park your car. We like you, Sally, but really? This is a problem? Wouldn't a better alternative be more special scooter/motorcycle parking slots?
Clark's website indicates this is the ultimate goal. However, since the city doesn't know how many scooters there are, they're asking for proof: "If you have a picture of your scooter, and maybe even yourself, in your favorite scooter parking location send it to us and we'll post it up on the big map." Still, at $38 a pop, it's going to take a boatload of scooter-movers to pay for those new parking slots. We're not sold on this fine. But, if you're concerned about scooter issues, send your photo to Ms. Clark. The Council will vote on the fine on Monday.
"Why Walk?" courtesy of Seattlest Flickr user Nikki Hempen de Ramirez
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I want a picture of this giant map. I really really really want it.
In the mean time, Ms. Clark, can we get some paper recycling on the corners of the street? Until we do, I'm just putting my newspaper in with the cans. Yeah yeah yeah, I know that ruins the whole lot, but I'm sending a message.
Two actually. One, I want to be able to recycle paper and two, newspapers are harder to put back together than maps and that's not cool.
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Parking a motorcycle or scooter is a difficult enough job as it is without someone messing with you. You have to be real careful where you do park, because very often some fool in a too-big automobile knocks you over pulling out of their spot because they're not used to caring about where the corners of their SUV are. This happens *all* the time, and to me three times. This is even more tricky if it's someone who doesn't drive a two-wheeled vehicle doing the decision making about where to park. Also, many scooters have center stands rather than bicycle type kickstands that take some getting used to. So there is potential for damage in moving someone's automobile AND in placing it someplace that's higher risk. Ultimately, moving someone's automobile should be at a minimum a fineable offense. People wouldn't tolerate this behavior for cars. If I hopped into someone's convertible, popped it into neutral and moved it half a spot to make room for my car, I'd get arrested. People don't respect your one-foot rule. Right now, I could move someone's motorcycle just about anywhere and it's legal. That is crazy.
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I get your point, but one time (to help tourists) a friend and I stood in the rain to move a motorcycle. It didn't budge. Luckily, being the pro-parker in my youth, I deftly guided them sans moving vehicles.
My friend and I then went back into the bar for a free pitcher and giggle at the tourists' inability to control their automobile.
They were from Oregon.
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I've had my scooter moved and knocked over several times while parked on the street, and I've had my little parking meter sticker things stolen a bunch too. It sucks.
If a spot is too small, or you don't know how to park in it, then don't. Just because you are physically able to move a scooter/motorcycle doesn't give you any more right to do that than moving someone else's car.
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Haha, I like that the city is relying on user-submitted photos to get a count of how many scooters are in the city. Isn't that what censuses and the DMV are for?
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okay, i can see how that would be really annoying, especially when they steal your parking sticker! seems like it should be covered, though, under some other law. i mean, isn't using or abusing other people's property already illegal?
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Yes, I've had all these things happen to my scooter as well. What annoys me most are that may car drivers automatically assume I've taken a "full-sized stall" just to be an a**hole, when in fact what I did was squeeze into a smaller, unoccupied space between two cars, one (or both) of which has vacated their space in the interim.
FWIW, I now pay for all my on-street parking with a credit card. That way, if the sticker is removed and I'm ticketed, I've got a record of payment, which the magistrate will take as proof when throwing out the charge (of course, I still have to waste time going TO the magistrate, but - oh well.)
And more designated two-wheel parking would be extremely helpful. Most cycle stalls are allocated at the end of blocks nearest intersections, so there's a lot less likelihood of being bumped over by another vehicle.
And for the car drivers who kvetch about my lil' scooter taking up a "full-sized" space, well, I'll stop doing that when the City stops making me pay full-price to park it.
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Touche, COMTE! And honestly, I hate when scooters and motorcycles "take up a full spot." But then I breathe and realize, it's probably because someone in a car didn't park close enough and gave themselves about 2/3 of a car length to get out.
Here's a hint: Turn on your headlights and use it as a guide. If you are able to see it shine, you're fine.
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This has all happened to me too; I'm wary of parking anywhere downtown anymore. I'm sick of arguing parking tickets (I now pay for parking by credit card as well) because someone stole the receipt off my scooter, sick of paying to fix my little scooter because someone didn't bother to look behind them when backing up, sick of finding my basket broken off because someone tried to lift my scooter by it. More parking slots for 2-wheeled vehicles would be awesome, and much more effective than people sending photos of their scooters in -- what was it -- "your favorite scooter parking location." Sounds like they're being reactive rather than proactive.
I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one encountering this BS though...
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I've never returned to my scoot to see that it had been moved. However as noted above, most people don't know how to move them without damaging them, so ya - plz don't move em.
As for creating specially marked scooter/motorcycle parking slots; my vote is HECK NO! Once a slot is created a new parking meter is born, and the freedom many of us enjoyed comes to a swift, decisive end. It's already becoming increasingly difficult to find a quick spot to pop into for a few minutes while downtown.
Speaking of parking, does anyone ever park their scoot in an alley beside a dumpster?
-= bop