Posted September 4, 2007   Email   Print

Turning wasted spaces into parking spaces: one AMA member's success

Tired of looking for a parking spot? Do you see lots of wasted space in your town's parking areas, but you know you'll get a ticket if you park your motorcycle there?

You could just grumble about it. Or, you could do what AMA Community Council leader Wayne Phillips (right), more commonly known as "Big Wayne," did in his hometown of Orinda, California.

Phillips convinced his city council to turn wasted space into motorcycle parking. Here's his six-step process for doing the same in your town:

1. Sign up to speak at your next city council meeting. Call City Hall to see if you have to sign up in advance or if you can just show up at the next meeting. Usually, the council has some time set aside during the meeting for citizens to speak about something that's not on the agenda. I say, hit 'em cold!

2. Tell 'em that parking in your city is inadequate and that you know how they can be part of the solution (instead of part of the problem).

3. Tell 'em that they need to use all the snips and bits of wasted space that are not big enough for an SUV but are big enough to be used as motorcycle and scooter parking without compromising rider or traffic safety.

4. Tell 'em you know they won't and can't respond right now but that you'll contact them and try to set up a follow-up meeting.

5. Find a few snips and spaces that could be used as motorcycle parking so you won't be blind-sided when they ask you where these spaces might be.

6. Ask 'em how long it might take. Then multiply by 10!

That approach worked for Phillips in Orinda, and the photo above shows the results.

"Big Wayne's work in his town shows what can be accomplished with a little forethought, persistence and legwork," said AMA Grassroots Manager Terry Lee Cook. "Local officials tend to listen to their constituents, and if you start off offering them a solution rather than a problem, they'll usually respond. Maybe not right away, but they usually do respond."

Joining or forming an AMA Community Council is a good way to get involved in local issues affecting motorcyclists. Learn more at the AMA Community Council web page or contact Cook by e-mail or by telephone at (614) 856-1900, ext. 1288.

 © 2007, American Motorcyclist Association