How to Park Your Motorcycle on the Street, in NY
Apr 24th, 2007 by Leo
It’s a strange feeling, the first time you leave your bike unattended on the streets of New York. Someone could just go sit on it and start messing around. A car could knock it over while parking. Anyone could come over and steal it. But the remarkable thing is…you CAN park on the streets, and it CAN be safe! Of course there are real “dangers” to worry about, but there are some simple things you can do to minimize the chances of it. First let’s talk about WHERE you can park in NYC…
Parking on the Sidewalk
Out in the boroughs you can get away with parking on the sidewalk for a few hours or even overnight without getting a ticket. Right now the parking ticket people use handheld scanners to write their tickets. They simply scan the registration sticker on the windshield of cars. This way they cut down on ticket-writing errors (which I think they are penalized for) and can get out more tickets in a shorter amount of time. What this means for motorcyclists (since bike’s don’t have bar codes or registration stickers) is they don’t bother with bikes…most of the time. As a result you can get away with parking on sidewalks provided it’s not a busy/crowded pedestrian area or near an intersection, etc. If you have a cover for your bike you can go even longer… Although I think you are technically obscuring the license plate with anything, like a bike cover, is a ticketable offense, it seems to have the opposite effect: when you’re parked on an out-of-the-way street (i.e., side street with numbers, not a busy Avenue like Broadway) the DOT people will usually ignore your bike. You can do this regularly in the boroughs (Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx for sure) and to a lesser extent in some of the residential parts of Manhattan (i.e., non-main streets in Morningside, Harlem, Hell’s Kitchen, etc…) If you’re worried about cars knocking over your bike, the sidewalk is the safest way to go. But be warned! They CAN ticket you for this!
[[Personal disclosure: If I'm leaving the bike overnight and won't be riding early the next morning, I'll park on the sidewalk and chain a wheel up to a street sign, then put a cover on it. So far so good.]]
Parking your Motorcycle on the Street
The good news is, if you park between cars in metered spots, you do NOT have to feed the meter… As along as you’re not blocking a car from parking, and as long as someone is feeding the meter, you can park in the spot between cars as long as you like. Just make sure parking is allowed… during street cleaning times, or “commercial vehicles only” times you will get a ticket, or worse…
When parking on the street in between cars I like to find “end spots” – a spot that will be easy for cars to get in and out of… A spot where a car can just pull out and pull in, like at the end of a block where the car is not boxed-in. Sometimes there are construction signs or dumpsters parked on the street – as long as there’s no construction going on, I try to park between the construction equipment and the first parked car…there’s usually plenty of space.
Also, my personal feeling is that busy streets and avenues are safer to park in than empty streets… I think drivers are a little more careful about not bumping into things (while parking) when there are lots of people around… In the Upper West Side if I can’t find an “end spot” I’ll park between a couple of small cars in metered spots on Broadway. I try to park just a foot or so ahead of the meter…that’s usually good the way the meters are spaced on Broadway.
If you can’t find an end spot, look for an area where the cars are not likely to move before you return such as residential areas. And if you can’t find a decent spot in a residential area, try to park at a metered spot near a restaurant with outdoor seating. Metered spots tend to be spacious, so you’ll have enough space, but also no one wants to be the idiot who knocks over a bike in front of all those witnesses. This helps control the risk of parking on the street.
Parking your Motorcycle in Parking Lots…
There are some lots that park a good number of bikes in the Upper West Side…so I imagine there are a few all over the island. My friend has a monthly spot near 72nd for $150 a month, and says there are a handful of bikes there. You want to find out in advance if a lot is bike friendly… If you don’t see any motorcycles as you enter near the front, they’re probably not… But if you do, then paid parking lots can give you some peace of mind… Be warned however! Parking lots usually state they are not responsible for any damage – and damage DOES occur (who knows what’s going on in there) for some strange reason…so if you just need a few hours of parking, and you’re not riding the latest high-end Ducati, my advice is to find a good street spot (like an end spot) first.
Let’s talk security…
Use your steering lock. Duh! But a steering lock isn’t enough to deter thieves or trouble-makers… In addition I like to use a good brake lock, an On-Guard Chain (which I keep at home, too heavy to carry on a ride), and a bike cover which I tie underneath the bike with bungee cords. All of these can be defeated by a determined thief (or three guys with a pickup truck) – but each item makes it just a little more difficult to pull off while parked on a busy city street with pedestrians walking by. I usually leave the chain and the bike cover at home, but I never leave without the disk lock… It’s cheap ($16 at www.newenough.com) or you can get one with an alarm (for $100), and it fits under the seat of my storage-challenged 600rr. Just remember to take it off before you ride. There are also locks that go over the clutch lever on your handle bar, which I’ve never tried, but seem like a good idea… Of course a determined thief can get past all of these measures, but that’s why it’s good to park where there are people around… NY crowds are the best security measure against crooks hacking your chain or removing a wheel to tow your bike.
Conclusion
Riding a motorcycle is about freedom… You don’t have to let the city take that away from you. You’re not free if you’re worried about your bike every minute it’s parked on the street – or if you have to pay an arm and a leg for garage parking. So develop your parking skills and ride (and park) safe! If you want more, here’s a guide that got me started (a little outdated): Motorcycle Parking
Related posts:
Scooter riders have some suggestions as well…
http://www.nyscooterclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1336
Good article. Especially the diagram. I see a lot of rider leave their bikes parked just waiting to get knocked over (even happened to me once or twice).
I’ve been parking in NYC for 3 years now. Living in Brooklyn and riding to work everyday for 6 month every year I’ve probably parked my motorcycle every legal and illegal way possible.
At first, I wanted to add to the parking diagram. As correct as it is, you can mitigate the risk of someone knocking your bike over by putting your motorcycle at a 45% angle to the curve with the front wheel locked down. Make sure your rear wheel is contact with the curb. This will make it much easier for a car behind you to pull out and in case the car in front does back into your bike, the bike won’t fall down because your front wheel (that is no parallel to the curb and direction of travel) will work as a bumper. Your bike won’t roll back because it’s already backed up into the curb.
Now, as far as parking. As I’ve mentioned above, I’ve tried every combination. Last several years I park in midtown, especially around Rock Center. I’ll be honest, the cops there don’t need a second chance to write you a ticket (or 3 at once as I’ve received several years ago). The trick is to make it difficult for meter maids to ticket you. Take off your plates and cover your bike. I try avoiding the sidewalks because my 1300cc cruiser is somewhat inconspicuous. Also, be prepared to get that ticket once in a while. Never pay it up front. Fight it, assuming it’ll properly get entered into NYPD Database. Worst case – the city will offer you a discount if you agree to pay the fine.
Here’s something I’ve observed this season that bothers me a lot. If someone could shed some light on my question, I’d appreciate an answer. Over the last several years I’ve seen dozens of us park our bikes in NYC (meaning we ride to work) but this season I hardly see any motorcycles parked on the streets. What’s forcing us to leave our bikes at home and get on that crowded subway?
Well said. Also watch out for parking your bike “beyond marked space”. A parking ticket I just received refers to Code 62: “Standing or parking a vehicle beyond markings on the curb or the pavement of a street which designate a parking space…”
In my case I was parked between the last car and a cross walk. I was parked between the front of the car and before the marked line of the cross walk. Obviously will be arguing this one.
I’ve recently purchased a bike and find the advice on this site really useful – many thanks! Just the other day, I was ticketed for obscuring my license plate with my bike cover ( during a rain storm). The meter maid helped him/herself to lift my bike cover and take down my license plate anyway. Just wanted to know if anyone else had this happen to them and if they had any success fighting this type of ticket? I’ve been told that in London for instance, going under a bike cover is illegal and requires a warrant.
It sounds like the meter maids are cracking down on motorcycles – Adam and Russ, could you tell us what neighborhoods you got the tickets in?
I am in Forest Hills, Queens. Unfortunately, I wouldnt of had this problem if there were more Motorcycle friendly garages in this area – or at least ones that didnt charge $175 a month. ‘
On a seperate note, can someone recommend any Motorcycle clubs in NYC ?
I work near Rock Plaza as well and am about to purchase my first bike. I’ve been looking around and noticed that you don’t see bikes parked in midtown at all. ANyone have midday midtown parking suggestions? Would love to drive in to work every day!
Unfortunately Rock Center is probably right in the middle of the busiest part of Manhattan… I’m pretty sure there’s nothing street level around there – but I could be wrong.
You’d probably have to go north a bit closer to Columbus Circle – there’s Muni Street parking around 57th Street that works – or south to Herald Square (there are a few bikes on 33rd bet B’way and 7th, for instance)… But both of these are a bit of a trek.
If you were willing to take the walk, you can get away with parking on the sidewalk (near the other bikes) on 33rd, but you’d better leave it on the street around Columbus circle.
Anyone know if there are motorcycle-friendly garages around Rock Center?
Russ, did you get your ticket in Forest Hills? That’s not right.
Citybiker, yes got it in Forest Hills. I agree – its a $65 fine to0, which isn’t the highest fine, but still unjustified. Any suggestions for fighting the ticket would be appreciated. I’m forced to leave the back half of my sports bike uncovered, which appears to be causing rust on my chain and rear brake.
Chris, I’ve been parking my bike around 30 rock plaza for 2 years. Rule 1: never ever park within 1 block of the skate ring. The cops there a vicious, they do go under the cover to give you a ticket. Rule 2: I’m sometimes seeing NYPD flatbed trucks in the morning towing unlicensed motorcycles / vespas = try not to leave your bike in a place where you need to take the plates off (I do it because sometimes there’s just no parking and it’s better to leave it on 49th and 5th w/o plates then come back to a ticketed bike). 3 – I am very fortunate (so far) to find safe parking on 51st between 6th ave and 7th ave on the right-hand side about 100 feet from 6th.
Note to all. Sports bikes with expensive fairings need 3x as much protection as regular cruisers or older bikes. There’s a serge in crotch rocket thefts in NYC. Please secure your property, and, buy an alarm. I highly recommend a gorilla alarm = $80, 15 min to install, it has deterred unwanted individuals from my bike at least several times.
Good luck riders, see you on the road.
Hey i have a quick question for you guys. If i just want a bike to keep a parking spot occupied in front of my house, What would i need? Does the bike need to be registered? Do i have to go through special hoops (like a special license) and what are the rules for the covers? Do you guys have any phone number/site where i can get information about it.
Hey P Sin, although I don’t condone what you’re thinking of doing…if you’re thinking of parking a bike just to hold a parking spot for your car… nevertheless the answers to your questions in NYC are:
You need a license plate, up to date registration sticker, and up to date inspection sticker (both issued yearly). Any vehicle on the road needs to have these minimum requirements.
Covers that obscure plates or stickers are technically not allowed, according to ticket folks, but they’re almost always tolerated because (i think) tickets for obscuring plates are easy to fight… (how hard is it to lift a cloth cover?) So anyone parking a bike on the street probably *should* use a cover – unless the local ticket people take issue with it.
All this info should be buried somewhere on the NY DOT site if you want to double check it…
Cheers!
Hello,
Thank you for all the helpful information.
I got a bike this summer and since I got it, I have parked it and covered it on the sidewalk in front of my place. I live in a busy area, but there is a huge sidewalk area, a big triangular swath where the street and avenue meet at a sharp angle. I park it in between a planter and a lamp post, an out of the way section of sidewalk where people wouldn’t walk. Anyhow, for over three months it was there every night and many days, until a week and a half ago, on a very windy winter day, when I came home from work it was gone.
My neighbor saw it happen, and he said that the wind had partially lifted the cover of the bike, so that it was flapping around and, I figured, it had probably exposed the license plate.
The cops saw the plate and towed it, I thought. I asked the people at the tow pound and also the person who answers the phone at the precinct if they could tell me why my bike had suddenly been towed after it had not for so many days. Of course they could offer no direct or straight answer.
Anyhow, figuring this was a fluke, not wanting to shell out the money for a garage, and not living in a place near any street parking without early morning sweeping, I put it back in its old spot, covered it, and bungeed the cover very tightly to make sure it would withstand the strongest wind. That worked for about a week, and this morning it got towed again.
I wrote all this in part to share the experience. It seems not only will police discreetly lift a cover to get at a plate, they will undo several well fastened bungees as well.
They ticket and tow immediately, without offering a chance to move it.
Also, I am wondering if anyone has any advice on how to fight the ticket. They ticket and tow immediately. I don’t see any way around paying the tow fee, but the ticket I figure I could get reduced. I have read in several forums like this that it is illegal for the cops to lift the covers with warrant. My suspicion is that it is not true, but I am wondering if anyone knows anything more about this.
Needless to say, after I get my bike back, I’ll buckle down and get a spot in a garage. Oh well. It’s just disappointing that I can’t keep my bike in front of the place where I live, even though it wasn’t an eyesore nor was it in the way of anybody. In fact, I can’t count the times that tourist noticed me parking or uncovering my bike and asked me for directions to some destination. For a while it seemed like my bike was a welcome part of the community of that corner as was I as its rider. Sadly, no more.
Thanks a lot,
Jesse
Hey Jesse,
So sorry to hear about your bike being towed, twice!
I would ask the building manager if he/she heard anything about it. One way to bring the tow truck in a hurry is to call 311 and make a complaint… So that might solve the mystery as to why they decided all-of-a-sudden to tow your bike now. Also, if you’re in Manhattan – film crews… They tow cars, they will also tow bikes.
Can we ask you a couple of questions that might help other folks?
1. What neighborhood are you in? It sounds like somewhere in Manhattan – Murray Hill or the West Village? Enforcement varies from neighborhood to neighborhood so it’s good to know… It’s also good to know that they didn’t ticket you right away – but only after a few days – so maybe folks who are just parking for a couple of hours will be okay.
2. Did you chain it up? I usually recommend using the highest rated OnGuard chains and locks. These things pretty much cannot be cut with hand held tools, and might even encourage the police to leave a warning ticket first.
3. Were you parked closer to the curb or closer to the building? The first few feet in front of any building is actually the responsibility of the building owner. If you parked right up against the building, they probably would not be able to ticket you legally (unless the landlord requested it). But if you were near the curb, that is city property, and they can do what they want.
Thanks for sharing your experience!
PS – I’m pretty sure the police are allowed to lift the cover on anything left on public property… So if they found a bag – they’re allowed to open it up and look inside.
By the way, what was the violation that they put on your ticket?
I once got a ticket for “sharing a meter” with a car. What is your take on that?
Also, does one post a muni-meter receipt on a bike? If so, how?
Hey Barry,
This is another example of the difficulty caused by a lack of dedicated motorcycle parking in NYC. The city doesn’t realize what a benefit bikers are to congestion and parking.
If you had the muni receipt, you could mail it in and get the ticket dismissed. Was this the head-in muni parking like in Queens, or the muni-meters on the streets in Manhattan? I could see the meter maids in Flushing ticketing a bike in a spot.
In Manhattan, as long as it is not “Commercial Vehicles only” or some other No Parking time, bikes can park between cars on the street at Muni Meters without paying. The one catch would be the maximum parking time – if the maximum you could park a car there is 2 hours, then a bike could get ticketed if it was there all day (which I wouldn’t recommend anyway).
In Queens, I’ve gotten away with parking in areas where cars can’t fit, and that aren’t pedestrian walkways – although I wouldn’t be surprised if I got a ticket one day.
You can always buy a Muni receipt, and if you get a ticket, just mail it in as “not-guilty” along with the receipt. I wouldn’t leave the receipt on the bike… But that shouldn’t even be necessary.
I personally don’t recommend going down to the courthouse to argue a ticket unless you really have plenty of free time – but you could try mailing in a not-guilty plea… Perhaps you taped a muni receipt to your windscreen and it was stolen?
in reference to what you said about the meters this is not true. even if you leave room for cars to park you would still have to pay since you are in front of the meter. i called 311 and they said that scooters and motorcycles are treated as motor vehicles and you have to pay the meters. parking between cars that are by the meters is ok as long as the meter you’re in front of is paid. if the meter has expired, even if the cars are there you can get hit with a ticket.
[...] How to Park your Motorcycle on the Street [...]
Just curious, I live in Astoria, and I take the subway to work every day (around Penn Station), do you get any kind of rush out of your morning and evening commutes? I gotta say, living in NYC, I’m just a weekend rider.
Hey Billy – I don’t know if I’d call it a “rush” but I prefer riding in to any other way. Two things can get in the way of that though: [1] if I’m not comfortable with the ride, the directions, the particular road, or [2] if the bike is impractical for that commute.
For some reason I hate carrying a spare helmet. It’s a pain to put in a backpack, and my undertail exhaust eats through bungie cords (slowly but surely) so I can’t just strap it on the seat. But when I take the scooter I don’t have to carry anything or think about how to pack my stuff. So if you’re riding an R1 – yeah commuting on the bike requires more dedication than on a Vespa.
From Astoria you can take the back roads to Skillman, onto the upper level of the 59th St Bridge – and you can take the HOV side (the outbound side that they shut down for inbownd HOV) until 9:30. That’s not a bad ride, 20-30 minutes once you know the way. 10-15 minutes if you’re crazy aggressive.
Hi Billy –
My commute in on the bike (10.6 miles, from Forest Hills) is a pleasure. As long as you have a good place to park when you get to work, the ride in can be a very happy part of the work day.
The worst part of riding in, is that I spend a disproportionate part of my day looking forward to the ride home.
In terms of cost (you didn’t ask, but I’ll tell you), here’s my breakdown:
Tolls: $3.60 (round trip, midtown tunnel)
Gas: $1.80 (~21 miles @ 45 mpg)
Parking: $0! (Ample free street parking)
Total: $5.40 / day
So, for an extra $1.40 per day ($4 on the subway) I get to work, and have a great time. I will add, however, that part of it is dependent on when you commute. I travel early (About 7 am) so I don’t have to bother with much traffic.
Jesse
Looking for a parking lot in the city that takes motorcycles?
I haven’t tried this out myself – but take a look at http://www.bestparking.com
If you select “monthly” parking you have a choice to see only the parking lots that take motorcycles. It doesn’t list the rates but you can call ahead and ask.
Cheers.
South of the South Street Seaport there was a great parking spot for motorcycles; covered–by the overhead FDR–and free, it was a great spot to leave the bike for a few days when going out of town. It’s now gone. The city took it over. Anyone know of a similar spot for motorcycles in any of the boroughs?
I work at 40th and Park. I have not tried to ride to work before but would like to on some Fridays. Does anyone know of any parking spaces?
Rich W. – You could find on street parking in Tudor City located between 1st and 2nd avenue from 41st to 43rd street.
Any advice on parking in the Financial District?? I work at 120 B’way and see a few bikes parked on the sidewalk around the Chase building. I’m getting sick of paying my $400/mo LIRR/subway commute, at least during the summer.
John M – thx for the tip!
Hey guys/gals, I’m hoping someone might stumble across this and offer some help. Here’s my situation:
My girlfriend lives in NYC, and I’ll be riding down to see her in a few days. I’ll be riding from Upstate, which seems way cheaper than $40-$75 for a bus/train. I’m not really familiar with Manhattan, but her address is on 14th St. between 1st Ave. and Ave. A. I’ll be staying for a couple of days. Based on Google Street View, this is kind of a business district with 2-hour Muni-Meter parking (not like the residential street she used to live on). I have a few questions:
- What’s the deal with covers? I always cover my bike (in Albany), but it sounds like you folks in NYC sometimes get tickets solely for “obstructing license plates”?
- Can anyone familiar with that area of Manhattan tell me where I might be able to park? My girlfriend hates motorcycles with a passion, and flat-out refuses to do any scouting around for parking. I’m pretty broke (which is why I ride a bike older than I am), so cheap/free is good, but getting towed/stranded is bad – not that I don’t love NYC, but I also like being employed, and not showing up for work might not keep that dream alive.
Thanks for all your help. I’m hoping to move to New York in the next couple of years, and so I’m trying to get a feel for what it means to be a rider in the big city.
Hey NS,
From what I’ve seen, motorcycle parking is fine in that area – 13th st or 14th, and 1st Ave has metered parking… I’m not sure if motorcycle covers are a problem there – but you can always cover it and leave the plate exposed.
But here’s the thing – but if money is really tight, then $40 for the bus still might be cheaper… If you were to get one parking ticket while you’re here, it can easily double or triple that.
But if you’re determined to do it anyway, just read the parking signs carefully – and make note of the times you need to move – there can be multiple signs for one spot that have been scientifically engineered to confuse people into getting a ticket. Cheers!
Leo,
Thanks for the reply! I wasn’t sure if this blog/thread thingie was still actively viewed.
One comment on a different post said that there is designated motorcycle parking on the 1st Ave loop of Stuyvesant Town? That’s just a block up from her place . . . I think. Would that be my best bet, or is that only for the residents of those buildings?
Thanks!
Having people around actually doesn’t deter thieves – they really don’t care just as much as the pedestrians wouldn’t care seeing a bike being stollen. They wouldn’t even phone the police. Sad but true, have watched it myself.
I used to live in Chelsea and parked my bike on the street with no issues. I just moved back to Manhattan after several years overseas and I now live in the heart of mid-town (38th b/w 5th and 6th). I’ve scoured the neighborhood on foot looking for street parking, but everything around here is commercial during the day (I’m strictly a weekend rider as I walk to work). Any tips? The closest I’ve found is 31st b/w lex and park (you have to move for cleaning every Tue and Thur). Anyone park on Dyer Ave (Lincoln tunnel between 35th and 36th)? Is it safe overnight? Any other suggestions? Thanks!
Hey B
I think for a weekend bike in your neighborhood you’d have to go with a garage… probably something like $175/month at this one: (9 West 35th Street)
View Larger Map
But I’ve heard of a parking garage where it was only $120 / month somewhere closer to midtown – but I can’t remember the name at the moment :/
There are a bunch of garages in your area so if you find one with a decent rate let us know!
I would like to see advice and comments about carrying the heavy security chains when you’re out and about on your bike. I have been hesitant to lug the big chain with me when I commute to work, etc. — too heavy for my backpack or around my waste (I am a woman of a certain age, 5’4″, under 140 pounds.) So I am thinking put the chain in a small bag and bungie it tightly so it does not move around and throw off the balance of the bike…?
After watching the video of the bike theft in Brooklyn, I am thinking I do not want to rely only on steering lock and luck!
Around my waist!!!! Spelling!
Hey Claire,
If you tend to park in the same areas all the time, and there’s a place to chain up, you could buy an extra chain and just leave it there…
This feels really expensive – I bought 2 extra OnGuard chains that cost fortune, one to fit around a lamp post, and the other to go around the wheel and the first chain… and when I’m not there, I just loop both around the lamppost. And although it cost a small fortune, 6 years later, it doesn’t seem so expensive… and I think it’s a better investment than an alarm.
I’ve gotten complaints about leaving the chain on my building gate, and I’ve seen bicycle chains taken from street signs – but never had any problems leaving it wrapped around NYC lamp posts. Cheers!
Ah – but when I DO have to carry a chain around, I actually carry a lighter chain than I use at home…
Something like this: (couldn’t find the exact one)
http://www.amazon.com/OnGuard-Rottweiler-Bicycle-Armored-Cable/dp/B000FL1BHU/ref=pd_sim_sg_7
And bungee it to the seat when I’m riding.
A lot lighter, and still pretty sturdy.
Cheers.
On my old bike (76 Honda CB550) I would carry a heavy Kryptonite chain — I forget how I did it exactly, but basically it would loop well around the rear light and the turn signals. I wasn’t worried about it marking up the bike, as the rear mudguard was imperfect as it was.
With my new bike (Bonnie) I didn’t want the chain rubbing. For a while I carried the chain around my waist — uncomfortable, which is not what I wanted for the “freedom” of riding. I bought some saddlebags, and was putting the chain in there — but then I couldn’t use the bags for anything else!
I ended up just taking the chain part off and using the disc lock. It’s probably not as secure — though what’s really secure in NYC? But there’s no point in having a bike if it’s a pain to use…and ultimately, though it would suck, this is why we have insurance.