peter-vallone-motorcycle

Image source: NYDN

Last week the NY Times reported that Astoria City Councilman – and motorcyclist – Peter Vallone supports the idea of free parking for motorcycles in NYC, and is pushing for legislation to make it so. The reason? Muni Meters seemingly muck it all up:

“Currently, the vehicles are subject to Muni-Meter rates, as any car would be. But motorcyclists say enforcement is inconsistent, and contend that there is no suitable place on their vehicles to display the receipts. Some riders said receipts were often stolen, blown away, or damaged by rain.”


Before muni meters were installed, motorcyclists would just put coins in the parking meters and they would be all set. When it comes to finding a solution for the aforementioned risks to the integrity of a muni meter ticket on a motorcycle, the NYC DOT advises that “motorcyclists purchase clear plastic cases to hold their meter receipts.”

If a meter receipt is not visible, a ticket can be issued. And no matter if a motorcyclist has a clear plastic case to hold the meter receipts or not, that ticket will still be on their record, thanks especially to computerized ticket machines (the hand held ones used by meter maids).

This idea of motorcycles parking for free could potentially become something the gains further reach. Assemblyman Michael G. DenDekker (D-Jackson Heights), a motorcyclist himself, is also in the midst of proposing a similar bill in Albany.

Vallone also believes that riding a motorcycle is better for the environment (supposedly compared to a car). It is unclear if this is part of his argument for free motorcycle parking.

Councilman Proposes a Bill to Let Motorcyclists Park Free [NY Times]
Motorcyclists — including some Queens politicans — are revving mad over ‘unfair’ parking tickets [NYDN]

 


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