Your going to hear a lot about this topic within the next year. Behind the scenes there is a lot of activity stirring and gaining momentum. The only off street "metered motorcycle/scooter" parking in the city is located at 3rd and Butler, in the CBD. The meters were recently added. The rates are outrageous but at least it's a start.

great. First Columbus, now Cincinnati? What about Cleveland?  :cry:  as Brian the dog would say, whose leg do you have to hump around here to get scooter parking?

Very nice to hear...we've got to improve our bicycle parking options as well.  Slowly but surely we are starting to get some things right.

great. First Columbus, now Cincinnati? What about Cleveland? :cry: as Brian the dog would say, whose leg do you have to hump around here to get scooter parking?

 

I'm guessing someone had to push for it in bothe Columbus and Cincinnati.  Someone with a scooter.

I work at Xavier and the Metro store nearby is selling through the scooters every month. The owner has issues with keeping the top models in stock during the warmer months.

 

I see a lot near my workplace and around DT/OTR. A lot of younger professionals, it seems. A lot are parked on the sidewalk, although I've seen a few parked in regular auto-parking spots.

 

Dedicated parking spots for scooters and motorcycles is a first step. I suppose they will extend a bulb out and designate an area in between for scooter/cycle parking?

 

And bike parking areas should be made more identifiable. Or at least put more horseshoes and loops throughout the city, not concentrated in a few distinct locations.

Even though I don't ride a scooter or motorcycle, I'm very much in favor of dedicated parking for them. Their size means that they can occupy much less parking space per scooter or cycle, but so often when I attend an event I think I've spotted a parking space in a big, crowded lot, and when I reach it I find that there's a single scooter or more likely a single motorcycle occupying an entire space that would otherwise accomodate a car or even a full-sized pickup truck.

 

The operators of event lots should provide dedicated scooter/motorcycle parking, and to say "Thanks for saving gas" it should be right next to the entry from the lot into the event.

Boise, ID seems to be an example of where this has successfully taken place.

 

Here is an article about the pilot program to test the need for the spaces.  This came from multiple requests from citizens for such parking.  Apparently this pilot program was successful and the City has created more dedicated scooter parking spaces.

http://www.cityofboise.org/Departments/Mayor/NewsReleases/2006/page5865.aspx

 

Free scooter parking in NYC (image included):

http://thescooterscoop.blogspot.com/2007/07/free-vespa-parking-for-scooterists-in.html

 

This is also done in the Atlanta area in Decatur (sorry the newspaper link is broken).  Seattle and San Francisco also have dedicated parking for scooters.  I would imagine a number of other places as well.

Posted on: August 17, 2008, 09:42:53 PM

 

Posted by: Maximillian 

Your going to hear alot about this topic within the next year. Behind the scenes there is alot of activity stirring and gaining momentum

 

It's official!   For you 2 wheelin peeps, check it out!

 

http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/twowheeler/

 

In October 2008 the City will launch a Downtown pilot program to create reduced rate, 10-hour parking meters specifically for two-wheelers. Two-wheelers include motorcycles, motor scooters and mopeds.

 

Why?

Two-wheelers are gaining popularity and more people are riding them Downtown. They take less space to park, are more fuel efficient than cars, and cause less damage to our streets. They also can’t park in most garages Downtown.

 

 

I am so freaking jealous. A scooter means nothing in downtown Cleveland. I might as well drive the cage. I had to go to court for work the other day and actually had to use a garage (I take the RTA sometimes, but it it is too utterly unreliable -even downtown routes-for something as important as court). I parked in a garage/lot. Some places let 2 wheelers park free as you you can use "dead" spaces in garages. Not so here. As a courtesy to the city of Cleveland, I parked with 2 other motor cycles in one space-but of course payed full price. So I try to get out of the garage, and the sensor would not pick the thing up to open the gate. What a joke and waste of time. I had to go through a huge ordeal just to pay and get the heck out. With regard to this, it is embarrassing to be in the most behind the times city in Ohio

 

It will be fun if I pursue this and say "in such places as Columbus, Portland, Austin, and Cincinatti...."

 

I have also been verbally accosted for parking in a legal space in a scooter (for the record they look like suburbinites). They think I should not "take up so much space". WTF?

I repeat myself:

 

I'm guessing someone had to push for it in bothe Columbus and Cincinnati. Someone with a scooter.

Posted on: August 17, 2008, 09:42:53 PM

 

Posted by: Maximillian

Your going to hear alot about this topic within the next year. Behind the scenes there is alot of activity stirring and gaining momentum

 

It's official! For you 2 wheelin peeps, check it out!

 

http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/twowheeler/

 

In October 2008 the City will launch a Downtown pilot program to create reduced rate, 10-hour parking meters specifically for two-wheelers. Two-wheelers include motorcycles, motor scooters and mopeds.

 

Why?

Two-wheelers are gaining popularity and more people are riding them Downtown. They take less space to park, are more fuel efficient than cars, and cause less damage to our streets. They also can’t park in most garages Downtown.

 

 

 

This is cool ... this makes me want to buy a scooter.

Fantastic...but X is right, someone had to push for this.  They should be applauded as it will without a doubt increase the number of people using these forms of transportation.

I am so freaking jealous. A scooter means nothing in downtown Cleveland. I might as well drive the cage. I had to go to court for work the other day and actually had to use a garage (I take the RTA sometimes, but it it is too utterly unreliable -even downtown routes-for something as important as court). I parked in a garage/lot. Some places let 2 wheelers park free as you you can use "dead" spaces in garages. Not so here. As a courtesy to the city of Cleveland, I parked with 2 other motor cycles in one space-but of course payed full price. So I try to get out of the garage, and the sensor would not pick the thing up to open the gate. What a joke and waste of time. I had to go through a huge ordeal just to pay and get the heck out. With regard to this, it is embarrassing to be in the most behind the times city in Ohio

 

It will be fun if I pursue this and say "in such places as Columbus, Portland, Austin, and Cincinatti...."

 

I have also been verbally accosted for parking in a legal space in a scooter (for the record they look like suburbinites). They think I should not "take up so much space". WTF?

 

Peabody, you live in Ohio City and say RTA is utterly unreliable?  That is a false statement.  There are at least 6 bus routes to chose from, making it a 5 minute wait at a maximum.

My question about scooters has always been where can I park it at my home if I live in an apartment with no parking?  Seems like it would be easy for some a-hole to just pick it up and throw it in the back of a truck.

Anyways, this parking idea sounds like a good one.

^ You pretty much have to lock it to something with a big chain.

you live in Ohio City and say RTA is utterly unreliable?  That is a false statement.  There are at least 6 bus routes to chose from, making it a 5 minute wait at a maximum. Ok not true. I seem to be able to make it downtown from OC in a timely manner (although wait is longer than 5 min at least 1/2 the time) I have had numerous issues over the last 4 years of living/ working here of getting back over the Superior Bridge. I used the same logic-"it should only be 5 minutes foe SOMETHING to show up" and have been $crewed plenty. Yeah 6 buses may show up at once and then nothing for 25 minutes. It is almost comedic.  I know I should take the rapid, but sometimes I want to get to detroit/superior. I have no problem using the RTA for recreation or to get to work with plenty of time, but my time is too valuable to me and taxpayers to use it during work hours between appointments downtown and OC/and back. Sorry it is the truth.

 

edit- I should have added about scooters- They are very easy to steal. I have never had an issue, but my office has an attendent, and I have a garage at night. Still I park it all over the city for work and recreation and have never a problem-but then it does not sit long.

 

Even heavy chains can be cut. Some apartments may let you tuck it out of view where you can chain and cover it. I don't think chaining  it a viable street pole would work real well . Theft of scooters is pretty high in the city. A garage has never been something I have cared too much about in housing, but now I think I would have to have one (b/c I have to have a scooter now. I just have to).

Good news! Looks like the best spots prevailed in the dead center of the CBD.

 

Forwarded message:

 

The top five vote-getting locations in the poll were:

 

1. Sycamore Street (east side) between 4th Street and 5th Street

2. Walnut Street (NW corner) between 6th Street and 5th Street

3. Broadway Street (west side) between 6th and New Street

4. 8th Street (NE corner) at Vine Street

5. 7th Street (NW corner) at Sycamore

 

Traffic Engineering is working on the layouts now, and it looks like each location will fit 3-4 vehicles Possible painting and installation of signage late next week.

 

 

I can't believe the Gateway Quarter locale didn't make the Top 5.

I can't believe the Gateway Quarter locale didn't make the Top 5.

 

Yea,  I was a little surprised too. Parking on the street in OTR isn't bad for a 2 wheeler as the CBD though.  Maybe the ART Academy could spare a few spots somewhere if students or faculty asks for it.

I think I'll take my KLR 650 downtown more often! I didn't like the fact that most garages don't allow motorcycles, though I understand now that they have liability concerns over entry/exit gates falling on riders (litigious America at work).

 

This kind of motorcycle/soother parking is all over the place in Europe.

^These places deserved to get sued for taking peoples money to park, telling them to go ahead through, and then have the exit gate slam them. I have narrowly avoided this mishap, but know others that have not and were injured.

think I'll take my KLR 650 downtown more often!

 

 

I love KLR 250/650 dual sports!! Does yours have the bulletproof tires?  :-D

 

 

^ hehe no, mine's the civilian model that runs on gasoline.

I can't believe the Gateway Quarter locale didn't make the Top 5.

 

The Gateway Quarter isn't an employment quarter like the other areas.  I'm sure the Q got votes, but it obviously matters more to commuters who want to get to work or to downtown sites.

What: Media event to announce the new two-wheeler parking locations Downtown.

 

Where: 8th Street just east of Vine. The spots will be located on the north side of the street, next to the library.

 

When: Thursday the 23rd at 1:00.

 

^Thanks for the heads up.

Had a dual sport bike..it was a crappy street bike and a crappy dirt bike..sold it and got a Harley...sold that and got a scooter.  I LOVE my scooter!  If any of you people South of Clevo have trouble finding a scooter...try www.clevelandscooters.com  a HUGE showroom :)

they are the BEST at Pride of Cleveland. They have a national reputation among scooter fans and are the region's favorite dealer. I am still enjoying my 100 mpg dependable ride    http://www.genuinescooters.com/scooters/buddy/buddy_3.html

 

...just needing much more gear to stay warm.

If any of you people South of Clevo have trouble finding a scooter...try www.clevelandscooters.com  a HUGE showroom :)

 

Thanks for the heads up, but I think Metro Scooter here in Cincy probably has most of what we need.

 

http://www.metroscooter.com/

they are awesome as well. hope to make it the rally sometime

Peabody-Hook up with POC Phil and get your arse down here for next years rally.  8-) 

 

 

Does anyone know when these will be constructed? I am wanting to go down and photograph these spots :)

Peabody-Hook up with POC Phil and get your arse down here for next years rally.  8-)  

 

 

I just went riding with him yesterday. He wants me to try out a vintage at one of these rallies and put it to rest as to whether I should go vintage (my guess is no, I need the thing to be dependable). I heard this is one of the better rallies. I want to go to the one in Pittsbugh too. I think I would need to rent a van or trailer to do Cinci...it is in early spring right?

I'm not really a scooter guy (I like full-size bikes) but if I had one, I'd go for an '80s-'90s Tron scooter instead of the '60s look.

Bortz, and Mel McVay are awesome!!

 

MEDIA ADVISORY

CITY OF CINCINNATI

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

City Launches Scooter Parking Downtown

 

City Hall Implements Pilot Parking Plan

 

WHAT: The City of Cincinnati will announce the results of their online two-wheeler parking poll this Thursday, October 23, at the northeast corner of 8th and Vine. City workers will install the new signs for downtown scooter parking for first-time users. For the last month the City has been gathering input from drivers of scooters, mopeds, and motorcycles regarding where they would like to park Downtown. On Thursday, the top five vote-getting locations from the City’s online poll will be announced and opened for parking. Given the ridership during winter months, the program will begin with free parking and will be evaluated for springtime use.

 

Due to rising gas prices and environmental concerns, these smaller vehicles have become increasingly popular throughout the United States and in major metropolitan cities, including Cincinnati. In addition to being more fuel-efficient than automobiles, two-wheelers emit less CO2, cause less damage to our roads, and require less space for parking.

 

Suggestions on additional spots for two-wheeled vehicle parking can still be e-mailed to [email protected].

 

WHEN: Thursday, October 23, 2008 at 1 p.m.

 

WHERE: The northeast corner of 8th Street and Vine Street.

 

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: City workers will install scooter parking signs, first-time users of two-wheeler parking spots

 

Dammit!! Can someone make it down to this for a photo??

Here are some pics from the event.  Over 10 scooters showed up.

 

Nice, but I would like to see some barricades installed to prevent drivers from erroneously (or purposefully) hitting the mopeds. And that turn lane literally begins at the parking space!

I'm sure there's a learning curve. I wouldn't be surprise to see a car park in those spots.

The spot is not that great.. There will be some cager visibilty issues,  we joked that we wouldn't want to be in the last 2 spots closest to vine!! Those will be the last to fill up on a busy day.

This is great...thanks for the photos.

Looks like City Council wants to take this idea and run with it...

 

Cincinnati, council look at 'green' parking

http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2008/10/20/daily44.html

 

The city of Cincinnati is launching a pilot program that will set aside street parking for two-wheeled vehicles, and City Council will consider a proposal to offer free parking to drivers of electric cars.

 

The city on Thursday will announce five parking locations for motorcycles, scooters and mopeds, which proliferated when gas prices spiked this summer. Parking will be free for the time being, and the program will be evaluated next spring.

 

Meanwhile, drivers of electric cars would enjoy free parking in Cincinnati under a proposal by Vice Mayor David Crowley, who also wants the prohibit the city’s purchase of incandescent light bulbs and require drivers of city vehicles to undergo one hour of eco-driver training.

 

Crowley’s Health, Environment and Education Committee is expected to hear testimony on energy-saving ordinances at the group’s next meeting Oct. 28.

 

“These were all recommendations that came out of the Green Cincinnati plan,” said Crowley, referring to the work of the Climate Protection Steering Committee, which in April adopted the goal of reducing Cincinnati’s greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent within 20 years.

 

Crowley’s electric-car proposal calls for the development of a city-issued sticker that would certify a vehicle as “all-electric” and give its owner free access to city-owned garages and parking-meter spaces. The incandescent light bulb proposal includes an exemption if the city manager determines there is “no practical alternative” to incandescent bulbs for a particular application. Finally, the eco-driving course would teach city employees driving techniques that reduce gas consumption.

 

“A normal driver can save 15 percent in energy costs by driving eco-friendly,” Crowley said.

Yet we are still waiting and fighting for more bike parking spots in the city!!!

Nice, but I would like to see some barricades installed to prevent drivers from erroneously (or purposefully) hitting the mopeds. And that turn lane literally begins at the parking space!

 

They are NOT mopeds!!!  :-D

Here is the flyer for the new program.  You can download a pdf version of it here:

http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/noncms/transeng/scooter/TwoWheelerFlyer.pdf

 

walked by the Sycamore spot today around 2:30.  An oblivious SUV and a car took up all the spaces (nice)....the signs looked good, but they need to do work on the street painting.  Looked more like some spray-painted white lines....

^I noticed the same thing about the painting at the 6th & Walnut location (which was being used by a motocycle).  What I also noticed is that the lines definitely look temporary and there are even little cuts in the pavement where the lines are.  It's probably just a matter of having a crew come around and get to it.

walked by the Sycamore spot today around 2:30.  An oblivious SUV and a car took up all the spaces (nice)....the signs looked good, but they need to do work on the street painting.  Looked more like some spray-painted white lines....

 

I'm sure there's a learning curve. I wouldn't be surprise to see a car park in those spots.

 

Surprise, surprise. Any SUV you see in those spots you're allow to key. ;-)

walked by the Sycamore spot today around 2:30. An oblivious SUV and a car took up all the spaces (nice)....the signs looked good, but they need to do work on the street painting. Looked more like some spray-painted white lines....

 

I'm sure there's a learning curve. I wouldn't be surprise to see a car park in those spots.

 

Surprise, surprise. Any SUV you see in those spots you're allow to key. ;-)

 

what if it's a beat-up brown mini van like I saw taking up the spaces 30 minutes ago? I mean, the meters have bags over them. There are two signs. 

 

Once they get the proper markings on the street this will hopelessly cease to be an issue.  Note they also have installed a post which will hold 3 small meters.  The meters are not in yet, and the city indicated there would be no charge for the winter months while they ramp up, but nevertheless a glimpse of the future.  Which strikes me a bit odd.  I thought people working downtown would use the spaces, but having a meter to feed kind of defeats that purpose.  Perhaps there will be permitting as well.

the meters will be for up to 10 hours

I like how the city is using pics of vintage bikes on their literature. I miss my '65 Vespa blue badge small frame.