Parking a motorcycle properly is an art. Your motorcycle parking technique and skills are a great reflection of how much you care about your motorcycle, parking laws, pedestrians, and other vehicles. I know that learning motorcycle parking rules and techniques is a little bit challenging but here I have tried to present it in such a way that you can understand the concept easily.
“Understanding the basics of parking”
1. Find out the legal parking space
Before parking your motorcycle, you must find out if the space legally allows you to park. Legal parking space means a specific area that permits you to park your motorcycle and complies with local traffic laws and regulations. Rules for the parking space vary according to city or specific locations. A legal parking area is usually marked or indicated for allowed transport by paint. While parking make sure your motorcycle is entirely fit with the marking.
2. Parking on the street
When you park make sure the legal space for motorcycle parking otherwise you may get into legal trouble. In some cities, you have to park your motorcycle with cars in a car parking area. In some cities, you will find parking areas that are particularly made for motorcycles so before parking know about the parking laws of the city.
3. Parking on the sidewalk
Sidewalk parking is strictly prohibited in most cities but it could be changed according to places. The reason behind prohibition is that it can damage public properties, cause vehicular and pedestrian difficulties, and also can damage your motorcycle. Only in motorcycle-friendly cities, you will notice the exceptions of parking your motorcycle on the sidewalk. Check the local laws before parking.
4. Park on private property
Without take permission do not park your motorcycle on residential or private property. Ask before packing otherwise it could lead to conflict with the property or business owner. Avoid conflict and legal issues and maintain a good relationship with locals. If you don’t have someone you know in the area and also do not understand where to park then ask for permission from the property owner or find an alternative parking way.
“Be aware of parking etiquette”
Sharing space with other motorcycles, cars, and pedestrian
When parking your motorcycle always keep in mind that there is enough space for other motorcycles, cars, and pedestrians. If there is no specific parking area for motorcycles you probably need to park your motorcycle between cars in a car parking space. If the space is marked properly park your motorcycle according to the mark and if not maintain a certain space so that other car drivers can easily move out of their cars without coming into contact with your motorcycle and can take out their cars without causing any damage. If you get the same amount of space as a car park to park your motorcycle put your motorcycle close to the front of the spot to leave enough space for the other motorcycle to park. If you are parking your motorcycle in a spot that is specifically made for motorcycle parking, follow the same rules as parking a motorcycle between cars. In a word park in a such way that it consumes less space. What I do is, I always put my motorcycle on the double stand while parking. It ensures more stability, reduces the tendency to get hit by other motorcycles or cars, and also provides better visibility. It also takes much less space if you park like this. If your motorcycle has a double stand follow these tips it works. Park your motorcycle by considering its size. Pay attention and try to align your motorcycle with others so everyone has space to exit. Take a look around your motorcycle after parking and make sure it is not blocking any space for other motorcycles or cars and causing inconvenience to pedestrians.
“Avoid common mistakes in parking”
Avoid these common mistakes while parking your motorcycle.
1. Not knowing the parking rules.
2. Not checking the ground surface.
3. Not ensuring appropriate security.
4. Not leaving enough space.
5. Not covering the motorcycle after parking.
6. Leaving your gears and accessories with the motorcycle.
For more details about common motorcycle parking mistakes click here– https://throtlus.com/motorcycle-parking-mistakes/ and read my previous article.
“Parking technics”
1. Check the surface
When you are parking your motorcycle check the parking spot carefully if the surface is solid enough to take the weight of your motorcycle. If the surface is soft and there is the possibility of falling your motorcycle then it is better to avoid the place if possible. Find a solid ground for parking or if you are not finding any use a kickstand pad or puck. It prevents the stand from sinking into the sand, gravel, or soft soil ground. It helps to distribute the motorcycle weight evenly on the ground. Use your motorcycle double stand it provides more stability whether the surface is solid or soft and protects tires from hot surfaces by relatively less exposure.
2. Lock the motorcycle
Most of the time in high-traffic areas motorcycles get theft. To avoid getting stolen your motorcycle before leaning your motorcycle make sure your motorcycle handlebar are locked. For adding more security lock your motorcycle disk or chain. To ensure maximum security install an antitheft alarm on your motorcycle.
3. Ensure the right technique of the kickstand
When you need to park your motorcycle on the uphill or downhill, especially on a slanting area place your motorcycle in a such way that it does not start rolling on the jib. In this type of place, it is more appropriate to use a kickstand instead of a middle stand. When parking on a downhill, park with the direction of the front wheel toward the downhill, and when parking on an uphill, use the same technique and park with the direction of the front wheel toward the uphill. Make sure you are using a kickstand while parking. When I park my motorcycle in such a place, I keep my motorcycle in gear and try to put something in the gap between the rear wheel of the motorcycle and the road. This technique ensures the maximum grip wheel with the road to stop the motorcycle from rolling backward.
“Understanding parking sign”
1. Sign of allows parking– This sign means you to allowed to park your motorcycle here.
2. Sign that allows you not to park– This sign indicates that you are not allowed to park your motorcycle here.
3. Sign of paid parking only– This sign means, you have to pay if you want to park your motorcycle here you have to pay for that.
4. Sign of time-limited parking– This sign means you can only park your motorcycle for a certain amount of time.
Having complete knowledge about parking will make your life easier and also will keep you away from unnecessary problems. Hope this parking advice will make your journey with a motorcycle easier.
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