Just before Christmas last year, I got official notice from the property management people of DPW Parking. They're the folks who own and manage the parking space at 1670 Broadway, under the UMB building. They'd decided that motorcycles with sidecars would not longer be permitted in the motorcycle-only parking sections and that sidecar rigs would be charged the full car rate of $16/day for parking.
Prior to that, I tried to argue my case, the fact that in winter weather sidecars would probably be the only motorcycles using said spaces, all to no avail. Oh well, its private property so I had to find other parking for the days when a sidecar was in order.
I found a spot three blocks from work, so now I get a brisk 5-7 minute walk from the rig, to and from the office. Exercise right? It's $2.50 more than regular motorcycle parking at the old spot, but it beats paying $16.00/day or worse, finding black ice while on two wheels. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt and slightly separated AC Joint on my right shoulder as a souvenir.
Sadly, I believe it was whining from some fair weather motorcycle owner(s) at the old parking garage that drove the decision by the property management folks. Apparently they didn't like the fact sidecar rigs took up two spaces. Whiny bastards.
Anyway, bitterness aside and moving on.
At the new parking spot, one does enjoy a nice view of part of the Denver downtown cityscape. I mentioned I get about 14 minutes of walking exercise a day so it's all good.
12 comments:
Dom:
It's all about money. Same as Banks are not your friends, and yes, someone complained even though they weren't using the spaces.
Vancouver is not motorcycle friendly either so a 3 block walk doesn't seem so bad. How about your friend with the other Hack ? Where is he parking now ?
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
Bob, my friend doesn't ride the rig as often as I do....I told him about the new spot.
Nice view though no longer covered parking. I started covering the front half of the bike with a tarp to keep out heavy snow. It seems to simplify life.
Well, it sucks but if they can make a buck more they'll do it. Glad you are at least able to take your business elsewhere.
Good point Richard, must find the tug's cover tonight.
I'm afraid you and the rest are right SonjaM, it's all about the money isn't it? Sadly, my offering to pay double the motorcycle rate fell on deaf ears.
That's a real drag, but ultimately they've screwed themselves. How many motorcycles are parking there regularly in the winter? I bet it's not a whole lot...
Oh well, glad you've found a new spot. Stay warm!
Lucky....yeah, well, it is what it is....
Just so you know I've been paying attention, a couple of years ago I checked to make sure if I ever got a rig or even a Spyder I would be able to park in our area...but you are right. I suspect there would be some summer riders who would complain there wasn't enough room when it was 80F with low humidity...maybe 3 days a year and petition to exile me to the car parking area.
Money aside, they are doing you a favor. Sitting is the new smoking, they're helping you kick the park close habit. Enjoy and for only a couple bucks more.
hopefully security isn't an issue. Do you "lock down" the bike?
A full cover would be good...out of site..out of mind.
I used to be trustful....until a MC disappeared out of my front yard in broad daylight. Seems that nothing is sacred anymore. Those of us who work hard to earn our possessions are fodder for the folks who choose not to....
Very pretty view of the city scape.
I guess the parking garage doesn't classify a sidecar rig as a motorcycle.
I am sure the exercise to and from work can't hurt either. $16 a day for parking seems a little steep, but maybe I am spoiled with my spot out the back door of the office.
Circle Blue-Keith, there's always those that have to ruin it for others....it makes them feel in control.
VStar Lady, I know, exercise is good for me....it's more of the principle of the thing. But, its their property so they have all the say.
BMWHacker, I lock what I can, but the sidecar is not securable really. So far so good.
Thanks Trobairitz, the exercise will probably help me in the long run. $16 is steep, the further from main downtown area, the cheaper of course.
Today I found covered parking for $6/day which matches the uncovered parking lot I'd been using. Adds 2-3 minutes to the walk as its 1 further block away but it may be the best deal for me and my rigs.
After all, its not like I'll ride rigs when the weather and street conditions are good. Then I'll take up a spot in the DPW parking garage, and hopefully piss off the whiners there by doing so.
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