Bicycle Austin forum

damicoaustin

Member

From: Austin, TX

Registered: 2008-05-27

Posts: 143

Website

Council resolution in the works impacting bike parking

Hi all, LOBV has been in contact with Council offices for Shade and Martinez to stay in the loop and offer assistance on what types of bicycle parking we'd like to see out of this. The resolution passed and likely will go to the Urban Transportation Commission soon. Feel free to comment on it here.

Although the initial emphasis was on scooters and such, it will include (hopefully) additional emphasis on bicycles.

D'Amico

Approve a resolution directing the City Manager to evaluate the
feasibility of parking for motorcycles and motor scooters in the
Central Business District, a permitting system for motorcycles and
motor scooters, rebates for electric scooters and bicycles, and
creating buffer zones at traffic signals for two-wheeled vehicles."

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/council_meet … 58&item=67

WHEREAS, bicycles, motorcycles and motor scooters are a viable source
of transportation and the city acknowledges the benefits of supporting
the use of them; and

WHEREAS, bicycles, motorcycles and motor scooters require less parking
space than automobiles - four or more motorcycles can occupy the
same parking area required by one automobile; and

WHEREAS, bicycles, motorcycles and motor scooters cause far less
damage to roads and bridges - the average motorcycle weighs less than
one eighth
of an automobile, and have less surface area in contact with the roadway; and

WHEREAS, bicycles, motorcycles and motor scooters produce less air
pollution than automobiles, thereby reducing emissions and improving
air
quality; and

WHEREAS, newer motorcycles and motor scooters are more fuel efficient
than many automobiles; in the case of motor scooters, the fuel
efficiency benefits are even more pronounced; many motor scooters
deliver upwards of 100 miles per gallon;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN:

That the City Manager is directed to:

1. Evaluate the inclusion of motorcycle and motor scooter parking in
the central business district, and in addition create a permitting
system by which motorcycles and motor scooters will be afforded free
parking in these designated spaces.

2. Consider creating buffer zones at traffic signals for two-wheeled vehicles.

3. Evaluate the feasibility of rebates for electric motor scooters and
electric bicycles.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That the City Manager's recommendations shall be reviewed by the
proper boards and commissions, including but not limited to the
Downtown Commission and the Urban Transportation Commission, prior to
presentation to Council.

seth

Member

From: Austin, TX (Hyde Park)

Registered: 2008-05-27

Posts: 53

Website

Re: Council resolution in the works impacting bike parking

I'm glad this is being considered for motorcycles and scooters. I've had my motorcycle ticketed many times for parking on the sidewalk in out-of-the-way places downtown, which encourages me to take up a normal parking space that a car would otherwise enjoy.

Seth