Proper parking protocol? And gear question?

[TheWife]

Just wondering if there are any specific laws/rules/etiquette regarding parking bikes in a parking lot. I felt kind of bad taking up a whole parking spot up front yesterday, but didn't want to to leave it open in the back and kinda figured there are laws against parking on the sidewalk :biggrin: I've seen bikes parked in the lines in the front of large parking lots, is that cool or no?

Also what do you guys do with your helmets when you leave the bike? I'm sure there's not a huge market for stolen pink helmets but I still feel weird just leaving it hanging on the handlebars- I've had one of my kid's drinks stolen out of a stroller by some punk girls (I guess they thought the military canteen was a flask and I was carrying alcohol around at a local festival midday?? idiots) so I know some people will take stuff just because they're idiots.

And just got in the boots I ordered. Irritated that they say "after riding".... so is there something specific to be looking for in protective foot gear? Steel toed? Or is just heavy leather okay?

Thanks!!

[dannylightning]

take off your seat, there are big tabs under your seat, you put your chin strap around one of the tabs and hang the helmet from it. put your seat back on and your helmet is locked up. there is also a nice little storage area under the seat if you have not found that out yet.

i see guys park in all kinds of places around here, things like that may vary from state to state.

your boots say after riding?? i am not sure what you are talking about

[alantf]

Over here, most parking lots have special areas for bikes, but quite often morons in cars will park across them to save themselves a 10 yard walk from the nearest available car space, so these days I don't feel particularly bothered about parking in a car space. As for helmets, I have a box on the back big enough to take two helmets plus a couple of light jackets. I like to get EVERYTHING out of sight so as not to tempt thieves.

[bonehead]

I'd say as long as the hashed area you park in isn't marked "no parking", go for it. Most parking lots are private property, except of course the obvious local, city, state, and federal govt.

Hang the helmet on the tabs under the seat like Danny said. The only way to get it off is to cut it, and that would'nt do them any good. :cool:

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by TheWife

Just wondering if there are any specific laws/rules/etiquette regarding parking bikes in a parking lot.

The rules are pretty much the same as for a car. If in a regular space, you need to be in the middle and out toward the isle so cars can see it BEFORE they whip into the space.

In most places, you can get away with parking in the "stripped" area at the end.......as long as it is NOT adjacent to a handicapped space; some of those are intended for use by vehicles with wheelchair lifts.

[Water Warrior 2]

Parking lots, privately owned or otherwise are usually deemed public thoroughfares if open to the public. The hash marks etc are normally off limits and a parking offence. These hash areas are to be kept clear to make allowances for large emergency vehicles to maneuver in tighter parking areas. This may not apply to all states, cities or parking lots. Local laws may differ. I just park in the middle of a regular space if I am alone.

[TheWife]

Alrighty, sounds good. I knew there's a space under the seat but it never would have occured to me to secure my helmet using the latches, thanks!!

[BillInGA]

If I'm riding with a buddy we'll double up in one space, otherwise I'll park right in the middle of the space. I try to keep my outermost wheel even with the adjacent cars.

I usually back in to a space, unless it's on a diagonal. I find it more comfortable to back in right after I've pulled up to the spot rather than back out when I'm leaving.

[MLGTIB]

I usually have my helmet bag in the little storage area so i just take it with me. I just dont like leaving it. In regards to parking, I park in any space i find. If i am making a run to the dealership for parts then i park on the sidewalk right in front because the sidewalk is really large there.

[Mercutio57]

In lots I park in the middle of a spot, but usually on the far end (that is, farthest from the stores). Out there it is much less congested, as NOBODY walks anymore, especially out here on Long Island. As for the brain bucket, I carry it with me.