Parking on sidewalks...

[Jabba]

spin off of the Port Washington thread...

Which brings up... parking on sidewalks.  I always get annoyed at the gall of people that simply pull their MC up onto a sidewalk to park.  They are usually HD's, although that is irrelevant.  I say..unless it's YOUR sidewalk, or you got permission from the Owner of said sidewalk... park in the lot with the rest of us.

Self important wanks.

Sorry if I offend.

Jabba

[Jack]

It is illegal to park on sidewalks in many places.  I do it at work because it is a small warehouse and nobody ever uses the sidewalk anyway.  It would not be wise to park it in the parking area since many service trucks with trailers are coming and going.

[Jabba]

It annoys me when the do it at the Mall, or places where you HAVE to walk around their scoot, like in front of restaurants.  Basically the places that make you think... "What an a$$-hole".

Jabba

[BnB Tom]

Hey Jack, Where'd you get the coooool patch?!

Tom

[Serk]

I actually got griped out (Not ticketed, just griped out) by a cop once for NOT parking my bike on the sidewalk...

I was being inconsiderate and wasting a car's parking space...

So, I make it a judgment call on a case by case basis. I often do park somewhere near the building entrance that isn't a parking space, but only if I can easily get in and out, no disrupt people as I'm doing so, and park where the bike can be out of the way where people won't have to work to walk around it...

[cutter]

Yesterday when I was at lunch, a Harley parked in a Handicap space.  He got off the bike and walked with no problem into the place...... No plate or markings to indicate he needed that space....   

[Big IV]

Yesterday when I was at lunch, a Harley parked in a Handicap space.  He got off the bike and walked with no problem into the place...... No plate or markings to indicate he needed that space....   

could be a breathing issue or something that would not show on just watching him walk in, unless he's walking across the entire parking lot. Or he could be an ass. Don't know, wasn't there. I do know bikes in most states are eligable for handicap plates (although it seems like someone mentioned a state once where you couldn't) or the use of handicap hang tags.

Most of the Wally Worlds around here have huge concrete areas in front of the stores for the seasonal displays. Those are great parking spots because no one is really walking by your bike. EXCEPT, then you're popping into traffic from a direction no one is watching. Most wally world parking lots around here are survival of the fittest anyway, so the last thing I want to do is try to sneak into that mess.

I don't personally tend to park on side walks. Tends to be easier to get back into the flow of traffic leaving from a designated spot.

I do park in a half spot by a curb at work. It's a spot to narrow for a car, but I fit nicely. Also ensures I get a spot everyday in a crowded lot.

So I do get creative at times. I think my rule of thumb is, where is it easy to get in and out of without being hit in the process.

I have been on several occasions directed by parking lot attendants and cops to park on sidewalks or off the lot and usually I comply. If that's where they want me, and it's a better spot, I don't argue. Although I don't mind taking up a parking spot for my 2 wheel vehicle.

[vanagon40]

From the other thread:

I hate rules like that.

In Indianapolis you have to park MC's perpendicular to the curb.  Even in angled or parallel spaces.  It's not enforced that I know of... but the law is there.

Which brings up... in an effort not to thread-jack... I'll start a new thread.

Jabba

I do not believe this to be true.  In fact, I received a parking ticket in Indianapolis for failing to park at a 90° angle to the curb in a parallel parking space, challenged the ticket, and had it dismissed.  It is permissible to park perpendicular to the curb, but not mandatory.

If anyone receives a ticket for this offense in Indianapolis, I have a motion to dismiss drafted I would be happy to share.

[Jack]

Hey Jack, Where'd you get the coooool patch?!

Tom

I forget.  It has been around a long time.  Public property as for as I know.

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

My son got a ticket for parking his Busa on the sidewalk in College Station, Tx. They threw the book at him ticketed him for fire lane and he used the handicap ramp so the gave him a ticket for blocking  the ramp. It was at a bar just off the main drag in town, anyway the ticket cost me 340 bucks if we paid it in ten days or it jumped to 540. I thought it was a hold-up to me. College town getting their share.

[Willow]

My son got a ticket for parking his Busa on the sidewalk in College Station, Tx. ... anyway the ticket cost me 340 bucks

I haven't been the best parent, so my advice is suspect, but I think there may be something wrong with your approach.    

[valkmc]

From the other thread:

I hate rules like that.

In Indianapolis you have to park MC's perpendicular to the curb.  Even in angled or parallel spaces.  It's not enforced that I know of... but the law is there.

Which brings up... in an effort not to thread-jack... I'll start a new thread.

Jabba

I do not believe this to be true.  In fact, I received a parking ticket in Indianapolis for failing to park at a 90° angle to the curb in a parallel parking space, challenged the ticket, and had it dismissed.  It is permissible to park perpendicular to the curb, but not mandatory.

If anyone receives a ticket for this offense in Indianapolis, I have a motion to dismiss drafted I would be happy to share.

Beware if you ever visit Key West, they ticket mc for parking two to a spot. If you park and someone comes along and parks in the same spot, both get a ticket when the officer shows up.

[Jabba]

From the other thread:

I hate rules like that.

In Indianapolis you have to park MC's perpendicular to the curb.  Even in angled or parallel spaces.  It's not enforced that I know of... but the law is there.

Which brings up... in an effort not to thread-jack... I'll start a new thread.

Jabba

I do not believe this to be true.  In fact, I received a parking ticket in Indianapolis for failing to park at a 90° angle to the curb in a parallel parking space, challenged the ticket, and had it dismissed.  It is permissible to park perpendicular to the curb, but not mandatory.

If anyone receives a ticket for this offense in Indianapolis, I have a motion to dismiss drafted I would be happy to share.

Shows how good my memory is... I spouted that based on YOUR experience... so I defer to your lawyerly memory over my CRS memory.

I stipulate to your interpretation of the rules.

Jabba

[DaveC]

i don't park on sidewalks, but i have been known to ride on 'em occasioanlly
the hobo

[vanagon40]

Shows how good my memory is...

Hey, my memory is about as long as my . . .

Uh, lets just say it's short.

[John Schmidt]

My son got a ticket for parking his Busa on the sidewalk in College Station, Tx. They threw the book at him ticketed him for fire lane and he used the handicap ramp so the gave him a ticket for blocking  the ramp. It was at a bar just off the main drag in town, anyway the ticket cost me 340 bucks if we paid it in ten days or it jumped to 540. I thought it was a hold-up to me. College town getting their share.

First of all, remember the bike is a motor vehicle. Although often not enforced in many places, motor vehicles in most states are required to stay in areas designated for motor vehicles. That kinda leaves out sidewalks and the like. As for the handicap issue, I have no sympathy on that. If you don't have either a H/C plate or hanger, as far as you're concerned then anything to do with  H/C parking or its accessibility is totally off limits....24/7. That includes the striped area adjacent to the parking. You park there in Florida and get caught, don't even discuss it with the cop or mall security, you'll lose. As for sidewalk parking, I watched the store manager of a Publix supermarket just last week walk out to a guy that parked his bike on a walkway in the parking lot. It was in an area between the cars where the cars face each other at an angle and have a 5' wide walkway between the cement bumper curbs. He asked him in a nice way to move it to a parking spot which was actually two spaces closer to the store. The kid got smart with him and walked away, leaving his bike where it was. The bike was gone by the time he got back, having been towed, and there was a squad car waiting for his return with the cop's displeasure in writing. The kid also got smart with the cop so obviously he wasn't genius stock. By the time they were done, smart mouth got a ride...but not home. Probably won't park on a walkway again without specific permission.

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

Nothing wrong with it. Son attends A&M full time student in engineering doesn't have time to work and keep his grades up. So I paid the ticket cause  if he paid it out of his funds  it is still coming out of my pocket.

[Spirited-6]

My son got a ticket for parking his Busa on the sidewalk in College Station, Tx. ... anyway the ticket cost me 340 bucks

I haven't been the best parent, so my advice is suspect, but I think there may be something wrong with your approach.    

Maybe I`ve hit a "FLAT" spot in my brain waves today but; Willow what`s wrong with his approach ?
  

[Jabba]

My son got a ticket for parking his Busa on the sidewalk in College Station, Tx. ... anyway the ticket cost me 340 bucks

I haven't been the best parent, so my advice is suspect, but I think there may be something wrong with your approach.    

Maybe I`ve hit a "FLAT" spot in my brain waves today but; Willow what`s wrong with his approach ?
  

What's the kid gonna learn when Dad pays his fines...?  That said... it's NONE of our business.  As long as Dad believes he's working hard, is willing to pay the fine, and doesn't think Jr. deserves the pain of the fine... who are we to say otherwise?

Besides... no one has EVER gotten an engineering degree and worked at the same time.

Crap... Jabba shut up.  Jabba shut up.  Jabba shut up.

Jabba

[Spirited-6]

Crap... Jabba shut up.  Jabba shut up.  Jabba shut up

LMAO !

[ArmyValker]

My son got a ticket for parking his Busa on the sidewalk in College Station, Tx. ... anyway the ticket cost me 340 bucks

I haven't been the best parent, so my advice is suspect, but I think there may be something wrong with your approach.    

Maybe I`ve hit a "FLAT" spot in my brain waves today but; Willow what`s wrong with his approach ?
   

What's the kid gonna learn when Dad pays his fines...?  That said... it's NONE of our business.  As long as Dad believes he's working hard, is willing to pay the fine, and doesn't think Jr. deserves the pain of the fine... who are we to say otherwise?

Besides... no one has EVER gotten an engineering degree and worked at the same time.

Crap... Jabba shut up.  Jabba shut up.  Jabba shut up.

Jabba

Boy, Jabba I sure hope your wrong about the working and engineer degree thing because I'm goin to engineering school full time and I'm workin.


That being said, if my son where takin the same classes and I could afford it, he DEFINITELY wouldn't be workin. It ain't easy.

[alph]

I look at it like this, if it’s got a car engine, it belongs in a car parking spot.

I read an article about a handicap person that had to park several spots away so that they could use their side entry wheel chair ramp to get out of their van ‘cause someone parked their cycle in the slotted yellow lines.  I’ve seen others do it, and I’ve politely explained to them what those spots are for.  I guess, thankfully I don’t need a handicap spot, yet, and if the day comes that I do need one, I hope it’s available.   

Another time I saw this real good looking older lady that parked in a handicap spot, she was about 60 or so, just really really good looking. And I asked her in a flirty way “so, what’s your handicap?” she replies, “it’s for my mother” !!  Man!  Her mother must have been 90!!  AND SHE LOOKED GOOD TOO!!

If she’s 60, and I’m 43, does that still make her a cougar?   

[Tonysax]

I was guilty. At my local gym, MCs were always found on the sidewalk. One day I saw a nice Valk parked there (not mine). So I figured if it's OK for him, it's OK for me.....

Not my bike.
So the next day I parked in the same spot on the sidewalk.... I came out just as an officer was returning to his car. I tried to be humorous and said " Am I getting a ticket???"



He responded, "What do you think" as he got back into his car.

LESSON LEARNED 

[Misfit]

My son got a ticket for parking his Busa on the sidewalk in College Station, Tx. ... anyway the ticket cost me 340 bucks

I haven't been the best parent, so my advice is suspect, but I think there may be something wrong with your approach.    

Maybe I`ve hit a "FLAT" spot in my brain waves today but; Willow what`s wrong with his approach ?
  

I am not Willow but I think carl and I are thinking that if one of our kids was parked illegaly at a bar spending our $$ instead of attending school, studying, or working and getting a $340.00 fine they would be on there own.

[scoot]

we don't park on sidewalks or foot paths in large groups

[John Schmidt]

My son got a ticket for parking his Busa on the sidewalk in College Station, Tx. ... anyway the ticket cost me 340 bucks

I haven't been the best parent, so my advice is suspect, but I think there may be something wrong with your approach.    

Maybe I`ve hit a "FLAT" spot in my brain waves today but; Willow what`s wrong with his approach ?
  

I am not Willow but I think carl and I are thinking that if one of our kids was parked illegaly at a bar spending our $$ instead of attending school, studying, or working and getting a $340.00 fine they would be on there own.

Misfit, that's kinda how it struck me. But I also have to go along with Jabba....none of our business really. Especially since we don't know the entire story, who knows....he might have been working there. I still say a bike is a motor vehicle, and motor vehicles don't belong on sidewalks. Reminds me of the old joke "if you don't like how I ride my bike, then get off the sidewalk."

[fudgie]

Might find this a surprise.... Guilty!!!  Done it outside a club one night. Right up near the front window. I done it at work before while visiting. I do it at hotels also. I make sure its tucked outta the way 1st. I'm sure i'll do it again. 

I rarely park at a 90 deg angle to a curb. Usually its a 60 deg or 45ish.

[vanagon40]

Boy, Jabba I sure hope your wrong about the working and engineer degree thing because I'm goin to engineering school full time and I'm workin.

No harm, no foul--but I think you missed the sarcasm in Jabba's post.  Congratulations on holding down a job and while obtaining a college degree.

---------------------------------

Back to the original post, I never park on sidewalks or in the zoned off areas of parking lots (unless the parking space was clearly dead space that was not used for handicapped access--usually NOT near the door).  Unless there is a designated motorcycle parking area (rare), I will take a full parking space in the parking lot.  That said, I usually make no effort to find a space close to the door and park some distance away for quicker entry and exit.  I figure I can use the exercise and let those who might not want (or be able to) make a longer walk have the closer parking spaces.

I always remember riding with (and in later years driving) my grandmother to the mall and circling the lot for what seemed like half an hour to get a prime parking spot close to the door.  I always thought I could have walked to/from and shopped in the time we spent circling.

--------------------------------

MY FINAL OFF TOPIC CONUMDRUM:  My father-in-law (late 80s, early 90s) and I would go to the grocery store to pick up a few items when my wife and I were visiting.  I would drive my father-in-law in his car, equipped with the handicapped plate.  He always wanted me to park in the handicapped spot next to the door because he had the plate.  But, he would then wait in the car while I ran in for the groceries.
     I finally resolved my reluctance to "abuse" the parking privilege by rationalizing as follows:
1) it was a small town so a) there was not a lot of competition for the handicapped spaces and
     b) in a worst case scenario, a handicapped shopper who could not find a handicapped spot would not be a whole lot further away;
2) it was a small town so Dad would not get to talk to his friends coming and going from the store if he was not in the handicapped spot next to the door; and
3) at 90 years old, Dad had earned some privileges and no one would fault him for such a minor "abuse" of his handicapped plate.

I would never park in a handicapped spot otherwise.  My motto has always been that I thank God for my blessings and "I do not want to put myself in their place."

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

This (Kid) is 22 years old 6'5" and goes about 290lbs. and has worked since he was old enough to get a job so I don't think he has learned anything wrong yet. Several of the Houston area members have met him and know him. Yes it would have been better for him to pay his own ticket but it would still have worked it way arround to mine funds. I was more upset about how the local police target the college kids for funds than the fact that he got a ticket. He was not in the handicap spot or blocking the spot it was the fact that he used theramp to get his bike up on the sidewalk.Come on 340 dollars for a parking ticket is highway robbery. if not paid in ten days jumped to 575 dollars extortion.

[Bob E.]

Besides... no one has EVER gotten an engineering degree and worked at the same time.

I did.  Admittedly, I was far from totally financially independent.  But I held several part-time (20-30hrs per week) jobs while in college including a grocery store, a fast food restaurant, and eventually the Civil Engineering Department grading papers.  Between semesters (summers, vacations, breaks, etc.) I worked even more.  I even worked for 3 semesters on a co-op program for Virginia Power at a nuclear power station.  That was pretty cool.

[Jabba]

This (Kid) is 22 years old 6'5" and goes about 290lbs. and has worked since he was old enough to get a job so I don't think he has learned anything wrong yet. Several of the Houston area members have met him and know him. Yes it would have been better for him to pay his own ticket but it would still have worked it way arround to mine funds. I was more upset about how the local police target the college kids for funds than the fact that he got a ticket. He was not in the handicap spot or blocking the spot it was the fact that he used theramp to get his bike up on the sidewalk.Come on 340 dollars for a parking ticket is highway robbery. if not paid in ten days jumped to 575 dollars extortion.

I get that.  $340 for a parking ticket is extreme.  We have NO idea what the rest of the story was either.  I'm not saying there WAS one... Just that we don't know.  

I apologize for sticking my nose in your deal there too man.  Sometimes I can be a dick... and I guess yesterday was one of those times.

I was 6'2 and 250 lbs when I was 12.  I started throwing hay when I was 11 and have not stopped working since.  Including time in college.  Personally, had I gotten a ticket, my Dad would never have known about it if I could help it. I think a lot of kids get too much too easy, and having had a few new grad engineers work for me, I can tell you I'd rather have a C student that worked his way thru school than an A student that didn't.  They deal with real world stress and schedules a lot better.

I have a friend that is paying her 25 year old son's student loans for him.  I can't figure THAT out either.  He's 25, working and SHE'S paying his $400 per month college loans?  WTF?

Hell, I make my 3 year old work for change to put in his piggy bank.  I also make him do push-ups to watch cartoons. Mom thinks I am a hard ass, but he'll learn that ain't NOTHING free.

Peace brothers...

Jabba

[alph]

did the $340 parking ticket come with a jug of vaseline?  that one really takes it up the "......"

[Jabba]

Besides... no one has EVER gotten an engineering degree and worked at the same time.

I did.  Admittedly, I was far from totally financially independent.  But I held several part-time (20-30hrs per week) jobs while in college including a grocery store, a fast food restaurant, and eventually the Civil Engineering Department grading papers.  Between semesters (summers, vacations, breaks, etc.) I worked even more.  I even worked for 3 semesters on a co-op program for Virginia Power at a nuclear power station.  That was pretty cool.

Me too Bob.  And my sister.  She did it with a kid.  Both my brothers.  My other sister has a PHD.  We call her the Redneck with a Doctorate.  My nephew is doing it NOW and he's in the National Guard too.  All of these are engineering degrees except for the one with the PHD.  Hers are in nursing.

I feel like Leonard from The Big Bang Theory... "I need a sarcasm sign..."

Jabba

[Spirited-6]

I am not Willow but I think carl and I are thinking that if one of our kids was parked illegaly at a bar spending our $$ instead of attending school, studying, or working and getting a $340.00 fine they would be on there own.   

Got it ! I`m a little / lot slow on the up-take because I have "never" bailed out my sons for anything. I guess I`m a bad Dad.

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

I'm very proud of this Kid and I will do what ever it takes to help him get a good education so that he can have it better than I did. Plus he says the better job he gets the better retirement home he can put us in when we get older.Enough said I'm out of this post.   PROUD DADDY!