So where do YOU park in public lots?

[DELETE-PLEASE]

I used to park in the hashed lines right on the edge of the handicapped spot. But now I heard that the cops are prowlin' and giving out tickets to bikers who park there. Personally, I figured it was a win-win situation. I win cause it's close, convenient, and the bike is easily visible. The cars win cause I'm not taking up a whole space for just one bike.

Personally, I'm not looking forward to being in a regular spot. I'm worried about a car trying to zip in there and getting ticked off that they got "fooled" by a motorcycle, or even worse, not see it cause it's NOT a car, and hit it.

Am I being too paranoid?

Alexi

 

[jjsC6]

I used to park in the hashed lines right on the edge of the handicapped spot. But now I heard that the cops are prowlin' and giving out tickets to bikers who park there. Personally, I figured it was a win-win situation. I win cause it's close, convenient, and the bike is easily visible. The cars win cause I'm not taking up a whole space for just one bike.
Personally, I'm not looking forward to being in a regular spot. I'm worried about a car trying to zip in there and getting ticked off that they got "fooled" by a motorcycle, or even worse, not see it cause it's NOT a car, and hit it.

Am I being too paranoid?

Alexi

It all depends. But when you say "public" lots, what are you really talking about? Damn few parking lots are public. Most are private. And cops cannot give out tickets in private lots except for being illegally parked in handicapped spots.

I just use common sense depending upon the lot.

 

[blkredlinedrvr]

I usually use the hashed marks at the top of the parking lot in a place like Wal-Mart. Some places like Best Buy have great parking right up against the building I'm sure that violates some firecodes but no one says anything though.

 

[Braenen]

I dont use the hashed lines next to handicapped spots. Those who need the spaces need the hashed areas as well. The extra space is required by law so that wheelchair ramps and the like can be used.

I use hashed areas that are not next to the handicapped parking and no one seems to mind. If I park in a regular space I put the bike closer to the entrance of the slot than the front so that it is more visible. I also tend to put the bike further from the entrance than average so that it attracts less attention from idiots who might think sitting on someone else's bike is cool.

 

[DELETE-PLEASE]

I think I'm going to veer away from using the hashed lines by handicapped parking (even the hashed part far from the actual space).

I've found that you can squeeze into the leftover area by the car returns, or on the opposite side of the cart return spot, provided you are comfortable parking near a place where carts are flung.

By "public" lots, I meant lots like Walmart, movie theaters, Home Depot, etc. I realize they are private. But I guess they are private enough that cops won't go down there to take a police report when I got into an accident, but public enough to go down and hand out tickets. Funny how that is...

Alexi

 

[TCMike]

Park in an actual parking spot. Usually one that is as visable to people coming/going as possible to deter low lifes from messing with it.

 

[madmike2]

By "public" lots, I meant lots like Walmart, movie theaters, Home Depot, etc. I realize they are private. But I guess they are private enough that cops won't go down there to take a police report when I got into an accident, but public enough to go down and hand out tickets. Funny how that is...
Alexi

I think they enforce the Handicap parking because access to them is a state and federal law. Rather large lawsuits have been won by physically challenged people who cannot find adequate parking.

Fairness (or anyone's moral or ideological opinion) doesn't enter into the equation here, freedom of access to those who need it is the underlying cause. I believe it could be interpreted as a type of discrimination thus it falls under a different category of enforcement than the civil issue of a traffic mishap.

If I take my bike to shopping centers there are options I use:

1) At many large "box" stores, I see many areas where motorcycles are parked along the building, so I park there.

2) IF there is a need to park in the parking lot (in my area most parking lots have "green zones on the ends with trees and shrubs) I park my bike in the rear-most 1/2 of the slot so others can see it before they turn in and my parking neighbors have plenty of room to swing when leaving.

3) There are some places near me who have motorcycle parking (Factory Stores, "K" Street Mall in downtown Sacramento).

 

[Patriot]

I borrow my neighbors license plate when he's not home and park where ever I damn well please... :glare:

 

[NMRoadRunner]

Most public places are required, by zoning, to have a bicycle rack for securing bikes to, I park there, It's up close and motorcycles/scooters are allowed to park there in NM.

 

[wfooshee]

Hashed spaces at the end of the rows, or if I have to use a space, I park just right of center (so the lean centers the bike) and all the way back in the space (so the space doesn't look empty as a driver approaches it.) I don't back in to angled parking, but I will if it's straight spaces, 90 degrees to the lanes. It's a lot safer to back into a space than out of it, especially if you end up with a big van or something next door.

The mall has one parking space wher they converted 2 spaces to three motorcycle spots, and they had bollards and kickstand pads and everything, until the lot got resurfaced. Now it's car spaces again. But who cares, it's the mall. Who goes to the frickin' mall?

 

[rfulcher]

I may park in the hash lines but only when it leaves lots of room for a wheelchair lift or ramp. I also try to park where the bike cannot be be bumped even by accident by wc or car parking in the space.

 

[Toecutter]

I usually just use a regular parking space, leaving room for another bike to share it if they so choose, unless there is a convenient place that doesn't impede the foot traffic or disabled areas....

 

[ponyfool]

Depending on the state, the lines between private and public are blurred. In many states, if the parking lot is open to the public like malls, large stores, etc, many traffic laws are still applicable. In order to become "private property" as it relates to the enforcement of traffic laws, there has to be restricted access (ie: gates, etc and not just signs).

Having said that, as already mentioned, the hashed spots next to handicap spots are for wheel chair ramps/lifts, and are deemed to be part of the actual handicap space. Regardless of whether or not it is designated as private, public, or open to the public, parking in a handicap spot is illegal and the vehicle (including motorcycle) is subject to tow. In addition, many states allow certified handicap persons to issue parking citations for handicap space violations.

I typically park in a parking space, or the rounded hash marks at the end of aisles as long as my bike completely fits inside the markings and far enough away from cars and traffic so as to not get dinged. Depending on the store, I also frequently park on the sidewalk near the entrance where they have designated bicycle parking if the area is large enough to allow multiple motorcycles and is out of the public pedestrian through fare.

 

[FJRGuy]

In my neck of the woods, parking other than in designated spots can get you a ticket if someone complains. Sidewalks are a definite no-no! That said, I usually park in a designated spot but for quick stops will use 'sidewalk' out of pedestrian traffic.

 

[palerider]

I used to park in the hashed lines right on the edge of the handicapped spot. But now I heard that the cops are prowlin' and giving out tickets to bikers who park there. Personally, I figured it was a win-win situation. I win cause it's close, convenient, and the bike is easily visible. The cars win cause I'm not taking up a whole space for just one bike.
Personally, I'm not looking forward to being in a regular spot. I'm worried about a car trying to zip in there and getting ticked off that they got "fooled" by a motorcycle, or even worse, not see it cause it's NOT a car, and hit it.

Am I being too paranoid?

Alexi

In California (I think everywhere, but I have been demoted and no longer speak for everywhere), handicapped spaces are marked with blue signs and blue paint. If the hashed-line areas next to the handicapped spaces are blue, then they are considered part of the handicapped space, and a ticket will be issued if you park there and someone (usually a handicapped person) complains. It's a very large fine. Don't ask me how I know this.

 

[airboss]

Not in or on any part of a handicap space, hash marks at the end of a parking row,if there, other wise in a regular parking spot with the bike parked near the beginning of the space, want people to see what they're crushing before they do it.

Mom's 85, walks with a cane, won't get a handicap plate because there are people worst off than her.

I'm sure if she caught me taking up handicap space, I would be beaten with that cane, the lady IS opinionated.

 

[For the Joy of Riding]

There is a trend of parking right up on the sidewalk near the store or restaurant here in California, I've been doing it and knock on wood, haven't received a ticket yet. Wife loves it, its like VIP parking, only downside is lack of room for all the stuff she buys!

 

[Harvey]

There is a trend of parking right up on the sidewalk near the store or restaurant here in California, I've been doing it and knock on wood, haven't received a ticket yet. Wife loves it, its like VIP parking, only downside is lack of room for all the stuff she buys!

That's a downside?

 

[SVTNate]

Some parking lots here in CA (like at the Irvine Spectrum, or some newer shopping centers) actually have bike parking towards the front. Narrow stalls for about 4-5 bikes, with concrete pylons to prevent a car from taking the space. Of course, with the concrete pylons, you only have to worry about another bike, or hitting the pylons yourself when you leave. Cars can't hit you while parked.

I typically take a regular parking spot, but some places I frequent have a nice area up on the sidewalk that I'll use. If I park on the sidewalk, I make sure it's well out of the way of anyone else, and I've never had a ticket or complaint.