Re: City council voting on getting rid of free parking for motorcycles today
Sorry; the Josh Matlow link, not the petition.
Sorry; the Josh Matlow link, not the petition.
|
|
|
Motorcycle Parking Fees Recommended without Notice or Public Consultation
- Thread starter Rob MacLennan
- Start date
Face
Well-known member
Re: City council voting on getting rid of free parking for motorcycles today
Yeah, I noticed that too:
http://joshmatlow.ca/issues-and-pol...f-motion-parking-for-mopeds-and-scooters.html
"1. City Council request the City Manager to report to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee on
a. strategies to accommodate parking for limited-speed motorcycles and motor-assisted bicycles without compromising the sidewalk pedestrian clearway, driver sightlines, or public safety, including but not limited to:
i. increasing the supply of boulevard parking that is restricted to use by motorcycles, limited-speed motorcycles, and motor-assisted bicycles; and
ii. providing additional incentives to dedicate spaces in new developments to visitor spaces for motorcycles, limited-speed motorcycles, and motor-assisted bicycles
b. any changes to provincial legislation that would assist the City of Toronto in better sharing the public right-of-way between all users."
(Bolding mine)
I think this motion is good for motorcycle riders for three reasons:
1. It puts motorcycles on an equal footing with scooters regarding parking on the paved but un-travelled portion of a boulevard. I certainly found that handy when I rented an R1200RT in Barcelona last year and found that the only space to park near our hotel was on the boulevard.
2. Even if its watered down to just limited speed motorcycles, it will get some scooters onto the boulevard and out of the pay-and-display on-street spaces, making more room for full size motorcycles.
3. Dedicated spaces for motorcycles in new developments could be secured, which would certainly help with the issue of thefts from condo garages. Right now the motion only speaks to visitor parking, but if people attend the September 20th meeting and speak about the theft problem for condo residents, the motion might get expanded.
Yeah, I noticed that too:
http://joshmatlow.ca/issues-and-pol...f-motion-parking-for-mopeds-and-scooters.html
"1. City Council request the City Manager to report to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee on
a. strategies to accommodate parking for limited-speed motorcycles and motor-assisted bicycles without compromising the sidewalk pedestrian clearway, driver sightlines, or public safety, including but not limited to:
i. increasing the supply of boulevard parking that is restricted to use by motorcycles, limited-speed motorcycles, and motor-assisted bicycles; and
ii. providing additional incentives to dedicate spaces in new developments to visitor spaces for motorcycles, limited-speed motorcycles, and motor-assisted bicycles
b. any changes to provincial legislation that would assist the City of Toronto in better sharing the public right-of-way between all users."
(Bolding mine)
I think this motion is good for motorcycle riders for three reasons:
1. It puts motorcycles on an equal footing with scooters regarding parking on the paved but un-travelled portion of a boulevard. I certainly found that handy when I rented an R1200RT in Barcelona last year and found that the only space to park near our hotel was on the boulevard.
2. Even if its watered down to just limited speed motorcycles, it will get some scooters onto the boulevard and out of the pay-and-display on-street spaces, making more room for full size motorcycles.
3. Dedicated spaces for motorcycles in new developments could be secured, which would certainly help with the issue of thefts from condo garages. Right now the motion only speaks to visitor parking, but if people attend the September 20th meeting and speak about the theft problem for condo residents, the motion might get expanded.
Last edited:
kiwi
Well-known member
Re: City council voting on getting rid of free parking for motorcycles today
BREAKING NEWS..
In November 2011, City Council asked staff to look into the option charging motorcycles for parking in pay-&-display areas on City streets. At that time, a large number of Toronto riders contacted the City, and asked to be consulted during the staff review, and receive notice of any reports coming forward. Almost 2 years later, we thought the issue was dead. Today, without notice or consultation, Public Works and Infrastructure Committee adopted staff recommendations to create a total of 300 dedicated motorcycle parking spaces in 25 locations throughout the City, and allow free parking in those spaces until pay-by-plate technology can be deployed. They then plan to charge motorcycles at a rate of 25% to 50% of the rates charged to cars. The pay-by-plate pilot program is scheduled to begin in the Spring of 2014.
http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/decisio...on=doPrepare&meetingId=6915#Meeting-2013.PW25
http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?item=2013.PW25.11
http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-61471.pdf
BREAKING NEWS..
In November 2011, City Council asked staff to look into the option charging motorcycles for parking in pay-&-display areas on City streets. At that time, a large number of Toronto riders contacted the City, and asked to be consulted during the staff review, and receive notice of any reports coming forward. Almost 2 years later, we thought the issue was dead. Today, without notice or consultation, Public Works and Infrastructure Committee adopted staff recommendations to create a total of 300 dedicated motorcycle parking spaces in 25 locations throughout the City, and allow free parking in those spaces until pay-by-plate technology can be deployed. They then plan to charge motorcycles at a rate of 25% to 50% of the rates charged to cars. The pay-by-plate pilot program is scheduled to begin in the Spring of 2014.
http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/decisio...on=doPrepare&meetingId=6915#Meeting-2013.PW25
http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?item=2013.PW25.11
http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-61471.pdf
Re: City council voting on getting rid of free parking for motorcycles today
Sucks for people who commute on bikes. Personally I avoid Toronto when I ride. It's little fun anyhow. I see the cost of running this pay-by-plate and bike designated parking spaces balloon over the actual revenue generated.
Sucks for people who commute on bikes. Personally I avoid Toronto when I ride. It's little fun anyhow. I see the cost of running this pay-by-plate and bike designated parking spaces balloon over the actual revenue generated.
Re: City council voting on getting rid of free parking for motorcycles today
....But it will (or may) discourage some of those that have been riding, thus opening up the spaces again for cars paying full price.
....But it will (or may) discourage some of those that have been riding, thus opening up the spaces again for cars paying full price.
kiwi
Well-known member
Re: City council voting on getting rid of free parking for motorcycles today
Its all about the money and also a lot about the politics behind it all.
Its all about the money and also a lot about the politics behind it all.
trinivibes
New member
Re: City council voting on getting rid of free parking for motorcycles today
This is pretty sad for new riders like myself that commute into Toronto daily. Does sound like a cash grab in ways.
This is pretty sad for new riders like myself that commute into Toronto daily. Does sound like a cash grab in ways.
Face
Well-known member
Re: City council voting on getting rid of free parking for motorcycles today
Almost 2 years later, and we thought the Motorcycle Parking issue was dead. WRONG!
Today, without notice or consultation, Public Works and Infrastructure Committee adopted staff recommendations to create a total of 300 dedicated motorcycle parking spaces in 25 locations throughout the City, and allow free parking in those spaces until pay-by-plate technology can be deployed. They then plan to charge motorcycles at a rate of 25% to 50% of the rates charged to cars. The pay-by-plate pilot program is scheduled to begin in the Spring of 2014.
http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/decisio...on=doPrepare&meetingId=6915#Meeting-2013.PW25
http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?item=2013.PW25.11
http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-61471.pdf
It is not clear in the report whether they plan on restricting motorcycles from parking in the approximately 18,000 existing car-sized on-street pay-&-display parking spaces, or to charge motorcycles for parking in these spaces during the transition period.
I spoke with Jacqueline White, author of the staff report & she advises that there are no changes to the bylaw at this time. That means in the interim, motorcycles can still park in all pay-&-display spaces & won't be charged. She said that, when pay-by-plate is implemented, motorcycles will pay reduced rates in the dedicated m/c spaces, but couldn't confirm whether we would have to pay full price when occupying a portion of regular street parking.
She says the 300 new dedicated m/c spaces are a response to concerns raised by riders about avoiding damage by cars, by parking on the sidewalk. That may have come from discussions on the sidewalk issue because I am not aware of any consultation on the pay for parking issue.
Jacqueline advised that she had no list of people interested in this issue & wasn't aware of our previous requests. So much for staff keeping records when we wrote in earlier. I have left a message with Clerks Dept. to find out why they didn't provide notice.
This goes to Council on October 8, 9 & 10th, but public deputations aren't allowed at Council, only at the Committee meeting they held this morning.
Although I'm extremely p*$$** about the lack of consultation and notice, IMHO these 1st stage recommend aren't that bad. 300 dedicated spaces are a great idea. Pay-by-plate seems to be coming anyway (they have it at the Brickworks & its a pain), so without the enforcement issue, free parking is a perk that we had that gets a little harder to justify. The devil will be in the details, so it's important that we try to now have some meaningful consultation with the City. Probably a good idea if people have discussions with their Ward Councillors and ask them amend the recommendation to add a requirement for consultation & notice. People sitting in the gallery with gear & helmets might also help.
Let the discussion begin. If people want to meet about this, maybe next Thurs L&L might be an opportunity.
Almost 2 years later, and we thought the Motorcycle Parking issue was dead. WRONG!
Today, without notice or consultation, Public Works and Infrastructure Committee adopted staff recommendations to create a total of 300 dedicated motorcycle parking spaces in 25 locations throughout the City, and allow free parking in those spaces until pay-by-plate technology can be deployed. They then plan to charge motorcycles at a rate of 25% to 50% of the rates charged to cars. The pay-by-plate pilot program is scheduled to begin in the Spring of 2014.
http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/decisio...on=doPrepare&meetingId=6915#Meeting-2013.PW25
http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?item=2013.PW25.11
http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-61471.pdf
It is not clear in the report whether they plan on restricting motorcycles from parking in the approximately 18,000 existing car-sized on-street pay-&-display parking spaces, or to charge motorcycles for parking in these spaces during the transition period.
I spoke with Jacqueline White, author of the staff report & she advises that there are no changes to the bylaw at this time. That means in the interim, motorcycles can still park in all pay-&-display spaces & won't be charged. She said that, when pay-by-plate is implemented, motorcycles will pay reduced rates in the dedicated m/c spaces, but couldn't confirm whether we would have to pay full price when occupying a portion of regular street parking.
She says the 300 new dedicated m/c spaces are a response to concerns raised by riders about avoiding damage by cars, by parking on the sidewalk. That may have come from discussions on the sidewalk issue because I am not aware of any consultation on the pay for parking issue.
Jacqueline advised that she had no list of people interested in this issue & wasn't aware of our previous requests. So much for staff keeping records when we wrote in earlier. I have left a message with Clerks Dept. to find out why they didn't provide notice.
This goes to Council on October 8, 9 & 10th, but public deputations aren't allowed at Council, only at the Committee meeting they held this morning.
Although I'm extremely p*$$** about the lack of consultation and notice, IMHO these 1st stage recommend aren't that bad. 300 dedicated spaces are a great idea. Pay-by-plate seems to be coming anyway (they have it at the Brickworks & its a pain), so without the enforcement issue, free parking is a perk that we had that gets a little harder to justify. The devil will be in the details, so it's important that we try to now have some meaningful consultation with the City. Probably a good idea if people have discussions with their Ward Councillors and ask them amend the recommendation to add a requirement for consultation & notice. People sitting in the gallery with gear & helmets might also help.
Let the discussion begin. If people want to meet about this, maybe next Thurs L&L might be an opportunity.
Motorcycle parking fees on hold for now
I doubt the dedicated motorcycle parking spaces will be sized to accomodate a car. It will lead to more cars on the road, and maybe more revenue for the city.
I doubt the dedicated motorcycle parking spaces will be sized to accomodate a car. It will lead to more cars on the road, and maybe more revenue for the city.
Re: Motorcycle parking fees on hold for now
Meh, I've been riding my bicycle to work all year.
Meh, I've been riding my bicycle to work all year.
Re: Motorcycle parking fees on hold for now
Shhhh.. Don't let Mr. Ford hear ya, or he will start charging for bicycle parking too.
Shhhh.. Don't let Mr. Ford hear ya, or he will start charging for bicycle parking too.
Re: Motorcycle parking fees on hold for now
So why do they always do this crap when no one knows about it, even the people who are tracking it?
So why do they always do this crap when no one knows about it, even the people who are tracking it?
robmack
Well-known member
Re: Motorcycle parking fees on hold for now
So that they get their way ("easier to ask forgiveness than permission"). The design of the process gives the illusion of democracy at work, when in reality our municipal political system actually is a dictatorship.
throwaway0921
Member
Re: Motorcycle parking fees on hold for now
During the October 8, 2013, City Council meeting there will be a debate on whether to continue to allow motorcycles and scooters to park for free on the street:
http://www.thestar.com/news/city_ha...ders_ending_free_parking_for_motorcycles.html
If you do not want this to happen, and you live in the city, please contact the local councillor of your home. If you do not live in the city, but perhaps work in it and commute, contact the councillor for the ward of your place of employ:
http://app.toronto.ca/wards/
Didn't notice this thread, so created:
http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?177050-no-more-free-parking
During the October 8, 2013, City Council meeting there will be a debate on whether to continue to allow motorcycles and scooters to park for free on the street:
http://www.thestar.com/news/city_ha...ders_ending_free_parking_for_motorcycles.html
If you do not want this to happen, and you live in the city, please contact the local councillor of your home. If you do not live in the city, but perhaps work in it and commute, contact the councillor for the ward of your place of employ:
http://app.toronto.ca/wards/
Didn't notice this thread, so created:
http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?177050-no-more-free-parking
Re: Motorcycle parking fees on hold for now
Is there any mention of what the circumstances would be on smaller streets where there are no designated Motorcycle parking spots? I doubt that they'll have every parking strip in the city converted that fast, so there's going to be a ton of side streets or smaller streets with no designated zone.
And some streets don't even have designated space markings of ANY kind, just signs on the curb marking the beginning and end of the parking zone.
Is there any mention of what the circumstances would be on smaller streets where there are no designated Motorcycle parking spots? I doubt that they'll have every parking strip in the city converted that fast, so there's going to be a ton of side streets or smaller streets with no designated zone.
And some streets don't even have designated space markings of ANY kind, just signs on the curb marking the beginning and end of the parking zone.
Re: Motorcycle parking fees on hold for now
Rhetorical question. Obvious answer is obvious.
I'm thinking more about how many entire areas will be completely without motorcycle parking, while they're working this mess out. You could eat up those 25 locations in a few blocks in the downtown core, let alone the whole city.
Rhetorical question. Obvious answer is obvious.
I'm thinking more about how many entire areas will be completely without motorcycle parking, while they're working this mess out. You could eat up those 25 locations in a few blocks in the downtown core, let alone the whole city.
Re: Motorcycle parking fees on hold for now
Exactly. That's what I'm wondering. Are we just gonna get screwed in the interim? Even if they realize "Oh, wait, we had no transition plan" and patch together a solution, a bunch of people will wind up getting ****ed over before this becomes obvious to our city "Planners".
Face
Well-known member
Re: Motorcycle parking fees on hold for now
That's my concern. When I asked Jacqueline White about reduced charges for m/c's parking in regular spots, her hesitation lead me to think that they hadn't even thought about the needs for m/c's to park anywhere other than the 300 dedicated spots they are going to create. I suspect that they crunched some numbers, then just assumed that was all that was needed. This could be much worse for us if we don't stay on top of it.
When this goes to Council on Oct 8th, they will go through the agenda at the beginning and ask Council to adopt the recommendations of each committee. That means that they will consider every item on last Friday's Public Works & Infrastructure Committee all in one go. Blink & you'll miss it. They will not discuss individual items unless a Councillor chooses to hold that item. Even if it is held, there is no opportunity for the public to speak to it. That opportunity was at the meeting they never notified us about!
I would suggest that anyone who contacted the City first time around, should call your Councillor and complain that there appears to have been no public consultation, that you were never consulted even though you asked to be, and that even though you requested, you never were notified about this report coming forward. Even if you didn't contact the City earlier, if your concerned, contact your Councillor's office now. Contact info can be found at:
http://app.toronto.ca/im/council/councillors.jsp
I'll draft a motion which a Councillor can move to add to the recommendations of the report, and put it on this thread for input. I'll focus on requiring staff to consult with & notify the public prior to any further reports or by-laws coming forward. Everyone should then push their Councillor to support that motion. I'll also contact some Councillors that I deal with.
It would also be very helpful if we could get lots of people in riding gear with helmets on their laps sitting in the gallery of the Council Chambers (City Hall, 100 Queen W) at 9:30 am on Oct 8th. That way, there will be a visual reminder that the public (read voters) has an interest in this issue.
That's my concern. When I asked Jacqueline White about reduced charges for m/c's parking in regular spots, her hesitation lead me to think that they hadn't even thought about the needs for m/c's to park anywhere other than the 300 dedicated spots they are going to create. I suspect that they crunched some numbers, then just assumed that was all that was needed. This could be much worse for us if we don't stay on top of it.
When this goes to Council on Oct 8th, they will go through the agenda at the beginning and ask Council to adopt the recommendations of each committee. That means that they will consider every item on last Friday's Public Works & Infrastructure Committee all in one go. Blink & you'll miss it. They will not discuss individual items unless a Councillor chooses to hold that item. Even if it is held, there is no opportunity for the public to speak to it. That opportunity was at the meeting they never notified us about!
I would suggest that anyone who contacted the City first time around, should call your Councillor and complain that there appears to have been no public consultation, that you were never consulted even though you asked to be, and that even though you requested, you never were notified about this report coming forward. Even if you didn't contact the City earlier, if your concerned, contact your Councillor's office now. Contact info can be found at:
http://app.toronto.ca/im/council/councillors.jsp
I'll draft a motion which a Councillor can move to add to the recommendations of the report, and put it on this thread for input. I'll focus on requiring staff to consult with & notify the public prior to any further reports or by-laws coming forward. Everyone should then push their Councillor to support that motion. I'll also contact some Councillors that I deal with.
It would also be very helpful if we could get lots of people in riding gear with helmets on their laps sitting in the gallery of the Council Chambers (City Hall, 100 Queen W) at 9:30 am on Oct 8th. That way, there will be a visual reminder that the public (read voters) has an interest in this issue.
MarcosSantiago
Well-known member
Re: Motorcycle parking fees on hold for now
six million people in the gta...
Only 300 parking spots for motorcycles...
it will be war to park your bike downtown!!!!!
six million people in the gta...
Only 300 parking spots for motorcycles...
it will be war to park your bike downtown!!!!!
|
|
|
|
|