Auckland University bike parks

[twinkle]

There is a proposal to make Alfred Street a pedestrian mall, probably only open to busses and cyclists. No mention of what their plans are regarding the motorcycle parks which are one whole side of the street. If any of you are going to be at the university next year then I suggest you make a quick submission in case they forget about us and remove our parking.

http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/auckland/transport/ctc/alfredstreet.asp

I'll see if I can track down who is in charge and have a word in their ear as well :innocent:

[Ixion]

Submission lodged



Alfred St is presently used extensively for motorcycle parking. Removal of that facility would detrimentally affect a transport mode that is congestion and environmentally friendly, as well as being economically important to many studants.

The proposal makes no mention of any ameliorative measures to deal with this problem.

Also, if the street is be usable by cycles and buses it should be usable by motorcycles, in accordance with central government and LTSA policy that motorcycles shoule be permitted in bus lanes .


I'lll also get BRONZ to put one in.

[Posh Tourer :P]

I also... errr lodged (sounds painful)... a submission. Though I get the feeling it wasn't as erudite as the previous post....

[Gremlin]

lodged as well... it was a lot of fun racing down the street at around 60, and making them fellow students jump for it :devil2:

Even getting the ones deaf from earphone devices jumping was just a feather in my cap. And the echo's from the surround walls were awesome :yes:

[xwhatsit]

Why did they remove the pedestrian overbridge? I was out of the country when they did that, I can't remember it ever being there either. That would've been a great thing to have, we're always dodging cars and buses trying to get across that road. Luckily it's all low-speed traffic, but those courier vans are fucking dangerous, I've seen them nearly take out pedestrians and even bikers going uphill in that little motorbike lane they have going against traffic.

There's shitloads of other bike parks though, it must be remembered. Symonds St and the parallel one that Alfred St connects it to, both have lots. But it might get pretty crowded, especially now that some complete smacktard decided to put up the price of bus tickets (I'm expecting even more scooters next year).

[Phurrball]

There's shitloads of other bike parks though, it must be remembered. Symonds St and the parallel one that Alfred St connects it to, both have lots. But it might get pretty crowded, especially now that some complete smacktard decided to put up the price of bus tickets (I'm expecting even more scooters next year).

The park on Princes St isn't exactly huge, and neither is the one opposite Law school in Eden Cres (Symonds St is somewhat bigger). If parking was disallowed on Alfred St, one or other of those parks would need to be doubled in size at least - probably the one on Princes St IMHO.

I don't know about the pedestrian overbridge - but there's a few underpasses.

FWIW I've added a submission too:
In principle I support the development of Alfred St as a pedestrian mall, however, no mention is made of the fate of the many motorcycle parks that Alfred St offers.

The number of motorcyles and especially scooters appears to be ever-increasing, and an increase in bus fares may exacerbate this trend. Should motorcycle parking be disallowed on Alfred St, an equitable increase in motorcycle parking in another close location (such as Princes St) will be needed.

Due to my outlying home being poorly serviced by public transport, the huge volume of single-occupant private car traffic, and the exorbitant cost of car parking in the campus area I commute by motorcycle.

Travel to university by motorcycle or scooter saves time, space, and has a lesser environmental and aesthetic impact on the university than travel to university by private car, and must not be discouraged by decreasing the available parking space.

If someone was feeling suitably motivated, a few posters up on the bike-park trees might move a few more to submit?

[Gremlin]

The overbridge on Alfred Street was removed around 2000/2001 I think (just before I went to uni). I think it was removed during the renovations of the general library (which got an external and foyer revamp), and it used to link the first floor library with the quad (near where the ATM's are now).

The 2 underpasses on Symonds street are boring, its much more fun standing on the double yellows, and feeling the vehicles go past on either side - even having to stand side on, so your backpack didn't get hit :dodge:

[xwhatsit]

...I don't know about the pedestrian overbridge - but there's a few underpasses...

Underpasses go under Symonds St. There's none that I can think of that go under Albert St.

[Phurrball]

Underpasses go under Symonds St. There's none that I can think of that go under Albert St.

Ah, yeah, you're quite right :shutup: *Phurrball must process information properly before replying*

It does get vaguely dicey dodging cars, busses, and the odd speeding Gremlin when crossing Alfred St.

[Gremlin]

It does get vaguely dicey dodging cars, busses, and the odd speeding Gremlin when crossing Alfred St.
No no, I'm not trying to cross the street, I'm the one making people dodge MEEEEEE, and you don't do it around the whole hours, so its quieter.

Its only really dodgy because people think they have right of way, are listening to ipods/on mobiles etc, and don't hear traffic. Its surprisingly dangerous being a pedestrian, and listening to something, as you tend to be less aware (one sense is dulled). My mother almost hit one, who was completely unaware, and randomly ran across the road :shit:

Alfred is worst around 5-6pm, when it becomes totally jammed. Anyhoo, I'm out of that hateful institution... and in the real world :wari:

[Phurrball]

(snip)
Its only really dodgy because people think they have right of way, are listening to ipods/on mobiles etc, and don't hear traffic. Its surprisingly dangerous being a pedestrian, and listening to something, as you tend to be less aware (one sense is dulled). My mother almost hit one, who was completely unaware, and randomly ran across the road :shit:

Alfred is worst around 5-6pm, when it becomes totally jammed. Anyhoo, I'm out of that hateful institution... and in the real world :wari:

Yes, I quite agree.

And you're a lucky brastard being in the real world - my degree has been proceeding glacially on a part-time basis. Feckkit.

As one who has been struck by a taxi van, I do not recommend pedestrian v motorised vehicle. (It's a long story - no, I was not pissed; yes, it was a cold, dark night a long time ago...)

That all said - I do still rather like the way pedestrians scatter if one's bike has a loud zorst and *sounds* fast :innocent: Hehe.

[twinkle]

good stuff guys, thanks :first:

They might even turn the car parks down there into motorcycle parks when cars aren't allowed through :Punk:

[Chisanga]

Sent in my submission.

I don't know what they would do with the spaces that are used for motorbikes if they ban us from accessing the street but I would guess the council hasn't even thought of that yet.

[skidMark]

Ah, yeah, you're quite right :shutup: *Phurrball must process information properly before replying*

It does get vaguely dicey dodging cars, busses, and the odd speeding Gremlin when crossing Alfred St.

big whales like 7 r's do not speed they waft

and i'm too dumb for uni so i'm to lazy to make a submission and not much i can say if i don't use the parking there.

would be good if albert street parking was kept though if they do all these changes maybe security guards will be put it place etc....which would hopefully prevent the as i understand it one bike per week being stolen from there in broad daylight.

and gremlin only kidding beforei am a kawasaki man....love you longtime

[Chisanga]

which would hopefully prevent the as i understand it one bike per week being stolen from there in broad daylight.

Where did you hear that mate? I've been going to uni for 2 years (admittedly not riding a bike there) and haven't heard anything like that.

[Tickler]

I made a submission when it was open (i think is has shut now) and i can vouch for the bikes getting pinched too

my mates CBR was taken in broad daylight. also i heard sAsLEX's mint CBR got taken too, just to name a few.

Removing the alfred street parking take away HALF, that right HALF of all parking allocated to motorbike under Auckland City council's approval. MORONS

[Chisanga]

Crap if they do this I might just have to park at Dad's work this year - he's opposite the hospital on Grafton Rd - i'm sure the walk up the hill will do me good. However I AM an arts student so some days I only have 1 lecture - be a pain in the ass if I can't get a bike park at uni just for that.

P.S. And with the increasing amount of scooters I have been seeing around i'm sure all the available parks will quickly be taken up by them :(

[twinkle]

Removing the alfred street parking take away HALF, that right HALF of all parking allocated to motorbike under Auckland City council's approval. MORONS


Someone has emailed you back? I hope they haven't decided on that :angry: Roughly 8 motorbikes fit into the space needed to parallel park one car, I might need to stamp that on some council workers foreheads so they don't forget it :mad:

[Chisanga]

If they don't sort out the bike parking around Uni there will be a heap of bikes and scooters shoved into every nook and cranny around the campus.

If I have to resort to that i'll have to chain it to something solid so Campus Security don't try and remove my bike :)

[Tickler]

The council is just a big bunch or morons who dont think things trhough properly. I wonder if anyone actually bothered to go to alfred street and see it in use during semester. Probably not.

Hope no one round here fell for 'tick the dick'?!!

[Disco Dan]

I am normally at the Epsom Campus of Auckland Uni, where bike parking is not an issue - only ever seen 2-3 motorbikes and the odd scooter!

While I am at summer school I park in a secret spot near my class next to a couple of GN's. Chaining it up now though!

[Chisanga]

While I am at summer school I park in a secret spot near my class next to a couple of GN's. Chaining it up now though!

Perhaps you could share your secret spot for me to use once semester one starts and you are back at Epsom. I don't like the idea of parking on Alfred/Symonds St where I can't chain my bike to anything solid.

PM with location if you want :)

[Tickler]

Chaining it up now though!


good on ya, those gn's are just falling off the back of the truck. haha


It is interesting how there are bugger all bikes (generally) parked anywhere else, yet alfred st from 10-2 is packed with bikes.

In general i agree with the pedestrian mall, because as a student crossing there i feel like im running a gaultlet half the time. But i think bikes should still be allowed, especially if they allow buses to roar down it every 10 mins.

[SPman]

Surely - parking a bike in Alfred St is a traditional student useage - a right and as such, should be granted protection under the Tiriti o Waitangi?

[Chisanga]

I don't understand why the council aren't doing anything they possibly can to reduce congestion in the city. I would have thought providing a crapload of motorcycle and bicycle parking locations would be an easy and effective way to encourage people not to bring in their car.

Sorry I forgot we live in Auckland where logic does not enter into any decision that our local governors make :mad:

[twinkle]

I got some info back from the guy running the show, this is what is happening so far...





The submission period for the Alfred St pedestrian mall closed on Friday 19 Jan. We have collated all the responses and are preparing a report for the hearing panel which will hear oral submissions on Feb 7 and make their decision on the proposal shortly afterwards. I note you also made an online submission on 22 December. Your concerns have been noted and are being incorporated into the final report. You will be contacted shortly with details of where and when the hearing will take place.

The overwhelming majority of submissions have been in favour of the proposal however, the loss of motorcycle parking is one issue that has been raised as a concern. The proposal does not allow for motorcycle parking on Alfred St and motorcycles will not be permitted to use the road. This is in line with the rationale of reducing traffic to all but essential vehicles. However, as part of the wider Central Transit Corridor project, Council will be mitigating this by maintaining existing motorcycle parking on Symonds St. Should this not be sufficient to cope with demand there is also the potential to provide extra spaces on Symonds St and convert some car park spaces on Princes St into motorcycle parking. The panel will take into account this information when making their decision. I hope this addresses your concerns.

So, they have no idea what they are doing basically. But I think we already knew that. Yay for public submissions :angry:

[Disco Dan]

I got some info back from the guy running the show, this is what is happening so far...


So, they have no idea what they are doing basically. But I think we already knew that. Yay for public submissions :angry:

little do they know... but we will use the access road anyway... mwuahaha!

[twinkle]

oh sure, but i was thinking more of the parking tickets :yes:

[Disco Dan]

oh sure, but i was thinking more of the parking tickets :yes:

Chain bike to metal pole. remove number plate and reg sticker. walk off. EASY.

[twinkle]

haha what would the wardens do? would a tow company be allowed to cut the chain?

[Chisanga]

I have a rather large impending sense of doom about the state of motorbike parking around uni this year :(

And I have no faith that once the problem is identified that the powers that be will do anything to rectify it.

[Phurrball]

I got some info back from the guy running the show, this is what is happening so far...


...the loss of motorcycle parking is one issue that has been raised as a concern. The proposal does not allow for motorcycle parking on Alfred St and motorcycles will not be permitted to use the road. This is in line with the rationale of reducing traffic to all but essential vehicles. However, as part of the wider Central Transit Corridor project, Council will be mitigating this by maintaining existing motorcycle parking on Symonds St. Should this not be sufficient to cope with demand there is also the potential to provide extra spaces on Symonds St and convert some car park spaces on Princes St into motorcycle parking.

So, they have no idea what they are doing basically. But I think we already knew that. Yay for public submissions :angry:

Clearly the pillocks haven't noticed that both Alfred St, and the Symonds St parks are both nearly filled to capicity for a large part of the day - Alfred St being the larger of the two. They'd need to substantially increase the Princes St park just to take up the slack. The council should be encouraging two-wheeled transport, not making it a more difficult choice.

[Tickler]

So a quick summary of the council's proposal:
STUPID!!!!

[Chisanga]

And a Summary of the council's attitude to bikers:

We don't give a shit about you!! Please drive a car and further clog up our city!

Morons.

[The Pastor]

haha what would the wardens do? would a tow company be allowed to cut the chain?

Yep. THats why you must get a heavy titainium chain. Actually get three so he has to cut 3 on them. And a wheel lock. And a Pitbull.

[Disco Dan]

Yep. THats why you must get a heavy titainium chain. Actually get three so he has to cut 3 on them. And a wheel lock. And a Pitbull.

and dont forget to walk off still wearing your lid.... cameras are watching you....... :innocent:

[Tickler]

Received a letter back from the council basically saying that a hearing is going to be held. it's on Wednesday 7 February at the town hall @ 2pm (super timing morons, during work!)

just thought ppl might like to know

[Chisanga]

Received a letter back from the council basically saying that a hearing is going to be held. it's on Wednesday 7 February at the town hall @ 2pm (super timing morons, during work!)

just thought ppl might like to know

That's because most people who make submissions are probably retired grannies :)

I got my letter too but probably can't go as well... I guess they will send out another letter when their dcision has been made so we all know to start organising a protest :)

[Chisanga]

Does anybody know what the result of this meeting was and if the council passed any resolutions?

Thanks :)

[twinkle]

They are compiling a recommendation or something and then passing it on to someone else who will decide :rolleyes: By the sound of it the bike parks on Alfred street will go and they will extend the bike parks on princes or symonds street. They reckon that the motorcyclists will be hazardous to pedestrians. Paul Buckle is the guy you want to speak to if you feel like ringing the council anyhow.

[Tickler]

Hummm...
i wonder which i would much rather be hit by as a pedestrian...

Option A : Motorcycle

Option B: Speeding 'service vehicle(plumbers van in a hurry)

Option C: Bus

Option D: Combo of option B + C i.e. the bus hits you, but the plumber is in such a rush that he runs you over too.

Answer....

[davereid]

Thats rubbish. Plumbers are paid by the hour. They never speed.

[Tickler]

very interesting to see at uni today (first day of semester) that the bike parking was absolutly packed! where were the bloody council members then to see how full it was. Then they could bloody well see that they would have to find a whole lot more parking on princes st.

Some good new talent out this year too!

[Chisanga]

very interesting to see at uni today (first day of semester) that the bike parking was absolutly packed! where were the bloody council members then to see how full it was. Then they could bloody well see that they would have to find a whole lot more parking on princes st.

Some good new talent out this year too!

And damn scooter riders don't know how to park and play nice with the bikes.

I agree though, if the council does close Alfred St. to bikes there will be carnage around Uni as everybody fights over available parks.

[Forest]

The council is just a big bunch or morons who dont think things trhough properly. I wonder if anyone actually bothered to go to alfred street and see it in use during semester. Probably not.

Hope no one round here fell for 'tick the dick'?!!

Well he is a rider! He was asked to ride the lead bike for last month's WestPac Helicopter Run.

[Tickler]

Well he is a rider! He was asked to ride the lead bike for last month's WestPac Helicopter Run.

Yes, that all good and well, but was he up yelling at the top of his voice to support bikers when ltsa wanted to charge the organisers $10,000 to close roads, effectively killing all profit for the helicopter trust?

he seemed a bit more keen to have a waterfront stadium.

[Forest]

Yes, that all good and well, but was he up yelling at the top of his voice to support bikers when ltsa wanted to charge the organisers $10,000 to close roads, effectively killing all profit for the helicopter trust?

he seemed a bit more keen to have a waterfront stadium.

Transit was the group that wanted money from the rally organisers.

Transit is a central government body - it has nothing to do with the Auckland City Council.

[xwhatsit]

People in suits and safety vests with clipboards and mobile phones were running around Alfred St today pointing and frowning and talking today. In particular they were pointing and stroking their chins at the array of bikes parked along almost the entire length of Alfred St.

I'm barely able to fit my bike in (I had to park on the footpath today, up against the theatre building) as it is, let alone if they toasted Alfred St.

[Chisanga]

People in suits and safety vests with clipboards and mobile phones were running around Alfred St today pointing and frowning and talking today. In particular they were pointing and stroking their chins at the array of bikes parked along almost the entire length of Alfred St.

I'm barely able to fit my bike in (I had to park on the footpath today, up against the theatre building) as it is, let alone if they toasted Alfred St.

That was probably the first time anybody from the council got out of their nice comfy offices to actually look at the problem.

They need to act BEFORE they close Alfred St. to open up HEAPS more parking otherwise it's going to be a shambles.

And I thought there wasn't as many bikes yeasterday morning parked up due to the rain in the morning.

I notice a load of bikes parking in the loading zone outside the gym on Symonds St, a couple of them had parking tickets shoved under their seat strap :(

[Toaster]

It's the sort of thing they will need in Albany city as that gets built over the next 5-10 years. The plans as they are don't provide enough roading or parking for such a big development.

[Gremlin]

The plans as they are don't provide enough roading or parking for such a big development.
I don't know about the rest of the country, but its a specialty of planning in Auckland. A new college was built out east, in a rapidly expanding new subdivision. Colleges in the area were all over 2000 pupils. So of course they built it with a capacity of... 1500.

Now they have to build more... we could all have told them that before...

[NZHog]

Spending over a million dollars because students are no longer taught how to cross the road...
Of course also giving the council an opportunity to once again go off half-cocked.
Buses & delivery vehicles will still be permitted,so therefore an outstanding waste of taxpayers funds.
Give the Munchy mart guy a Taser & let him "educate" the students who step out in front of vehicles...

[xwhatsit]

Spending over a million dollars because students are no longer taught how to cross the road...
Of course also giving the council an opportunity to once again go off half-cocked.
Buses & delivery vehicles will still be permitted,so therefore an outstanding waste of taxpayers funds.
Give the Munchy mart guy a Taser & let him "educate" the students who step out in front of vehicles...

Lol, the Munchy Mart guy is a tit. I don't know if we're thinking about the same guy, but he drives that delivery van like a complete arse. I fear for my life when I'm riding down/up Alfred St and he's there too.

[MacD]

Looks like the changes are going ahead soon and the motorcycle parking is being moved to Symonds Street. It will be interesting to see how much space is allocated. It used to be that just about all the spaces between the trees were for motorcycles.


The City of Auckland is implementing an interim upgrade so that the operation of the street can be changed. The first stage of the interim upgrade will be effective and occur at 6 a.m. on Monday April 2nd, 2007 and will include the following:

Removal of lane marking in Alfred St
Removal of parking and associated signage
Provision of entry restriction signage
Regulatory speed reduced from 50 km/hr to 10 km/hr
Relocation of motorcycle parking from Alfred St to Symonds St.

[Chisanga]

I wonder if they will allocate space for the 60 odd bikes that use Alfred street or create chaos and open up only around 20 or so. be interesting to see

[twinkle]

People in suits and safety vests with clipboards and mobile phones were running around Alfred St today pointing and frowning and talking today. In particular they were pointing and stroking their chins at the array of bikes parked along almost the entire length of Alfred St.

lol I can just see them thinking "oh... errrr fuck. where did all these bikes come from?"

[twinkle]

Alfred street will be much nicer without all those bloody cars though, its taken the tamaki bus more than 5min just to get out of the street some days :mellow:

[Indiana_Jones]

OK guys.

I happen to work for the people working on Alfred street.

They are moving the bike parking onto Symonds street. I think one of the guys said some near the science or technology building, wasn't too sure.

but the bottom line is they're keeping the parks and should be done by the 2nd of April.

Edit: I see someone has mentioned that it's moving, here is a plan of roughly where it's going to be. The one near Alfred is about 75m long and the one on the other side is just under 40m. But don't hold me to that!

-Indy

[Ixion]

But the area shown in red is ALREADY bike parking ?

[Indiana_Jones]

is it? buggered if I know. I don't park there. I'll take a look into it

looking at those plans it seems they're removing pay and display machines, how long is the cuurent park? they might just be making it longer

-Indy

[Filterer]

The area in red by Wellesly St isn't currently bike parking though. But what biker in their right mind is going to park their bike more then 20m from the destination?

[Chisanga]

But the area shown in red is ALREADY bike parking ?

As I think i have said before. I predict chaos with people parking their bikes and scooters anywhere they can fit them around the campus.

[Indiana_Jones]

I think there's another 25m on the alfred side too ontop of that already drawn.

-Indy

[Filterer]

so maybe room for 25 bikes.....

[twinkle]

Existing bike parks are in blue. Red bits are parallel car parks at the moment.

[Tickler]

As I think i have said before. I predict chaos with people parking their bikes and scooters anywhere they can fit them around the campus.

I second this motion, i know i wont be part of the solution!

[KLOWN]

so maybe room for 25 bikes.....

not with the way scooter riders park. Dumb fuckers.

Anymore news on whats up??? 2nd of april is nearly upon us. What is irritating is they have built that new carpark building and there is no bike parks in it.

[Filterer]

I had a look at the parking today, if they do really make all the way from the cnr of Alfred up to the end of the current bike park on Symonds St (excluding the loading zone) then I think you would fit just as many bikes as can fit currently in Alfred

[Hanne]

***Apologies, didn't see other post***

[This is particularly important for anyone at Auckland University, but also for those who want to keep people riding their two wheels.


From Monday 2 April Alfred Street (thru Auckland uni) will be closed to both car and MOTORCYCLE traffic. On the average day around 150 bikes park on Alfred Street, as up until now it has been a free and convenient place to leave our vehicles.

Alfred Street is now being turned into a pedestrian mall, with thoroughfare only for busses. Rather than turning it into a regular bus lane, the council have made a particular point of barring motorcycle traffic. The proposal was also put through over the summer break, when most of those students affected were unaale to submit/ unaware of submissions.


The real problem is that no alternative parking has been suggested, so as of next monday, 150 bikes will be without a home during the day.


I have been trying to contact the student's association to find out what I can do, will ring the council directly tomorrow. I am just posting this to let any motorcyclists at Auckland uni know about the situation, and to encourage them (and anyone else interested) to have their say to make sure that motorcycles continue to be a cheap, VIABLE (+ fun) for getting into uni.

This is where I found out about the changes: http://www.ausa.auckland.ac.nz/eimages/Alfredst.jpg
The plan can be viewed in full here at
http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/auckland/transport/ctc/alfredstreet.asp

PS any more suggestions of who I could contact/ what action to take would also be appreaciated, will keep you posted.

[Chisanga]

I believe there will be more parking opened up on Symonds Street. Not sure if this will happen by 2 April to compensate for loss of Alfred Street though.

I've said it somewhere else but I predict chaos if adequate parking is not provided with people parking their bikes and scooters all over the campus in any convienient spot

[KLOWN]

bit slow on this one. We have had a thread going on this for awhile now. Symonds st will be enlarged to compensate.

link here. http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=41023
also you may want to check this thread for alternate parking around the city.
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=2406

[Karma]

The proposal was also put through over the summer break, when most of those students affected were unaale to submit/ unaware of submissions.


Actually you all had plenty of time.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=41023&highlight=auckland+uni+parking

[R6_kid]

fuck them. Park there anyway, im sure they are going to tow everyone. Or just ride on the footpath (i always used to), me and a couple of mates even did a lap or two of Albert Park one time (up to the fountains etc).

Alternative are victoria st carpark (generally full) or civic carpark, but thats more than 'a bit' of a walk.

Otherwise organise for a whole lot of you to go in first thing in the morning and occupy one carpark per bike, paid of course. But by the time 150 bikes are there im sure there will be no carparks left near uni.

[Gremlin]

Otherwise organise for a whole lot of you to go in first thing in the morning and occupy one carpark per bike, paid of course. But by the time 150 bikes are there im sure there will be no carparks left near uni.
Only problem with that is the 1.5 hour time limit I think, on parks. You have to move after that time... perhaps one park over?

Would cause some lovely chaos tho, I'm sure I would get up early to stick it to them... :Punk:

[peasea]

Only problem with that is the 1.5 hour time limit I think, on parks. You have to move after that time... perhaps one park over?

Would cause some lovely chaos tho, I'm sure I would get up early to stick it to them... :Punk:

Yup, fill the parking spots up, employ a fellow student to rotate the machines when required and keep the meters fed. If they were serious about inner city congestion they'd be putting more bike parks IN, not ripping them OUT. Has anyone contacted the Herald to rub a dumb-arse councillor's nose in it yet?

[Hanne]

Irang the council today asking about bike parks and the guy I spoke to seemed quite suprised by my question, was gone for a while, came back and said there will be parks on Symonds Street. I asked hinm if they will be signposted by Monday and he didn't seem too sure so I asked again and he said he would chase it up.
The way I see it the problem has been the lack of information...
I didn't even know about this until a couple of days ago, there is nothing mentioned in the plan, no one I have tried to contact has had any answers...
Oh well, let's hope for the best with this Symonds St thing.

[Hanne]

Oops, just found the other thread... not too good at navigating websites ><
I was just getting frustrated because I had been trying to find out where the alternatives were and not getting anywhere, with April 2 coming up rather quickly.

It seems that they have said Symonds St, so that should be fine. (rang them up, they didn't know if it would be signposted for mon, but hopefully yes)

[Gremlin]

(rang them up, they didn't know if it would be signposted for mon, but hopefully yes)
you're young or naive, or both. :yes: Unless the person that told you that actually goes out and does it, him or her self... I bet it ain't gonna be done.

Yes, I'm a cynic... but the odds are with me :yes:

[Posh Tourer :P]

Well, we have a whole bunch of lovely parking down the road from the existing Symonds St area outside the Rec centre..... It looks like ti will fit easily enough to compensate for Alfred St. If, as I suspect, people still park on Alfred St, we'll have more than we did before! They are also working on that strip opposite too!

[Tickler]

just wait for someone to park a car in there early one morning and see their face when they come out at 11, fully boxed in.

well today will be interesting. best of luck to everyone parking today. just ditch it somewhere.

[Posh Tourer :P]

It is already happening.....

[Filterer]

It does look like there should be enough parking, apart from the odd naughty car which has parked in the now bike space there is heaps of room. A bike parked down Alfred st as well. I haven't looked up the top of Alfred st but I suspect the sign says "Buses Only" now haven't we been taught by the council re bus lanes that buses only doesn't actually exclude bikes :rockon:

[Ixion]

Well, we have a whole bunch of lovely parking down the road from the existing Symonds St area outside the Rec centre..... It looks like ti will fit easily enough to compensate for Alfred St. If, as I suspect, people still park on Alfred St, we'll have more than we did before! They are also working on that strip opposite too!

Good stuff. Now, Princes St next.

[Hanne]

you're young or naive, or both.

Maybe not so naive, the signs were up today and very clear.
looks good

[twinkle]

Its all working pretty well, and it's so funny watching some of the cagers throws tantrums at the guys blocking the street.

The bikes are more noticable parked on Symonds street too. I have overheard a few people saying they never realised there were so many bikes before. Hopefully it will raise the profile of motorcyclists a bit, especially re people doing a u-turn on symonds street.

[Tickler]

I have to say, it has been a smooth transition. the only reason i say this is because i have been very lucky all this week and been able to pull a u-turn without waiting for anyone. i dont like the odds of pulling u turns on bikes on symonds st.

Bike stops to pull u-turn, either:
a) gets hit from cruddy cager who isnt paying attention,or;
b) get hit my oncoming car (bikers fault i guess)

[Chisanga]

I have to say, it has been a smooth transition. the only reason i say this is because i have been very lucky all this week and been able to pull a u-turn without waiting for anyone. i dont like the odds of pulling u turns on bikes on symonds st.

Bike stops to pull u-turn, either:
a) gets hit from cruddy cager who isnt paying attention,or;
b) get hit my oncoming car (bikers fault i guess)

Yep that's the major issue as I see it. I haven't brought my bike in this week though due to the massive quantities of heavy library books i've been carrying around everywhere :(

[twinkle]

I was thinking more of cars doing u turns in front of bikes... but I see what you mean. Just use alfred street if you have to :first:

[Gremlin]

Maybe not so naive, the signs were up today and very clear.
looks good

I have to say, it has been a smooth transition.
Ok, I'm stunned :gob:

[Theatre]

Im also worried about the right turn on symonds street thing. Ive been going down princes street and around the block to avoid it. Takes forever with the lights though. How easy is it to pull the right turn?

[Tickler]

How easy is it to pull the right turn?

Easy: just lean right haha, jokes
I just wait for a gap, then go for it, the traffic is pretty peaky (lots then nothing) on symonds st.

Ive thought about going the long way around the block, but that sounds like a cheap way out. :third:

[xwhatsit]

Easy: just lean right haha, jokes
I just wait for a gap, then go for it, the traffic is pretty peaky (lots then nothing) on symonds st.

Ive thought about going the long way around the block, but that sounds like a cheap way out. :third:

Yep. I did it a couple of times before all of these changes, and because of the lights on either side of you, there are often long gaps in traffic. Not too hard, and usually stuff like that scares me a bit. :scooter:

[superhans]

Hi all, first time poster here. I've searched and this seems to be the right thread to post in (apologies if it's not)...

Has anyone had any success challenging a parking fine?

The story:
Today I got ticketed up at Grafton campus for parking on the yellow lines, all of about 1m outside a legitimate park (and next to a couple of other bikes) :angry:. It was at the end of a row of parallel parks (first on your right if you turn left into Park Ave from Park Rd if heading towards Grafton bridge). If the diagram below turns out, I parked roughly by the asterisk

_|___|___|*/

I was in no way blocking any park, driveway, footpath - just slotting into a small, Ninja-shaped spot of otherwise wasted space next to a carpark. The Grafton campus is undergoing construction, so the normal carpark is out of action resulting in about 6 motorbike parks for the entire campus, which always have about 15 scooters squeezed in. In future I'm going to park in the City campus bike parks and walk up as there's no way I can afford even the slight chance of being ticketed for this ridiculous over-zealous, nonsensical crap. The fine takes up a significant chunk of my weekly meagre student income so you can understand why I'm annoyed at this.

So has anyone ever got a parking fine revoked after writing a polite, well-worded letter challenging this ridiculous enforcement? Any tips or advice?

[maggot]

Hi all, first time poster here. I've searched and this seems to be the right thread to post in (apologies if it's not)...

Has anyone had any success challenging a parking fine?

The story:
Today I got ticketed up at Grafton campus for parking on the yellow lines, all of about 1m outside a legitimate park (and next to a couple of other bikes) :angry:. It was at the end of a row of parallel parks (first on your right if you turn left into Park Ave from Park Rd if heading towards Grafton bridge). If the diagram below turns out, I parked roughly by the asterisk

_|___|___|*/

I was in no way blocking any park, driveway, footpath - just slotting into a small, Ninja-shaped spot of otherwise wasted space next to a carpark. The Grafton campus is undergoing construction, so the normal carpark is out of action resulting in about 6 motorbike parks for the entire campus, which always have about 15 scooters squeezed in. In future I'm going to park in the City campus bike parks and walk up as there's no way I can afford even the slight chance of being ticketed for this ridiculous over-zealous, nonsensical crap. The fine takes up a significant chunk of my weekly meagre student income so you can understand why I'm annoyed at this.

So has anyone ever got a parking fine revoked after writing a polite, well-worded letter challenging this ridiculous enforcement? Any tips or advice?

Firstly, welcome to KB, one hell of a thread dredge, good effort!
Realistically, it sounds like you're in the wrong. BUT, having said that, there's no point not contesting it. Take some photos, write a well written letter, attach photos, make reference to your parking problems, feign ignorance, the whole lot. If you're lucky and can back your position up with photo evidence or what not, you've got a shot at getting off I reckon. Don't be too optimistic though, they are called parking nazis for a reason.

Best of luck, let us know how you get on.

[maggot]

Actually, reckon you could street view it? Might help people understand what you're describing
http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?q=Park+Road,+Grafton,+Auckland&hl=en&ll=-36.861279,174.768732&spn=0.00123,0.002411&sll=-36.789368,175.025852&sspn=0.009847,0.01929&z=19&layer=c&cbll=-36.861174,174.76877&panoid=avrryWy_jHKayjR-08Df_A&cbp=12,26.4,,0,30.16

[superhans]

Actually, reckon you could street view it? Might help people understand what you're describing
http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?q=Park+Road,+Grafton,+Auckland&hl=en&ll=-36.861279,174.768732&spn=0.00123,0.002411&sll=-36.789368,175.025852&sspn=0.009847,0.01929&z=19&layer=c&cbll=-36.861174,174.76877&panoid=avrryWy_jHKayjR-08Df_A&cbp=12,26.4,,0,30.16

Cheers maggot, yep that's the spot! Just behind the dark-coloured Accord on the right.

I've only been riding for a few months so I'm pretty new to this. When I can't find a bike park, I try to park next to other bikes as I assume it's sweet to park a metre over the line, or on the footpath (out of the way, of course) - I'm obviously wrong to think that parking wardens would use discretion and not be c**ts, it's just a shame I have an expensive learning experience. I mean a warning would have been nice.

I'll write a letter with some photos and try the poor student/ignorant newbie/'my stupid uni is renovating and there are no bike parks at Grafton' lines (all of which are true btw).

I can't remember which thread I read it in, but I like the idea of the mass protest of many bikes all (legitimately) parking in car park slots to protest the pathetic lack of parking facilities for those of us in our space-saving, fuel-saving, emissions-saving, road-maintenance-saving, less-lethal-to-pedestrians bikes, but I guess I'm preaching to the converted here :yes:

So does this mean I'd have been ticketed for not having a pay-and-display ticket displayed if I had parked a metre over, on the white lines? Are bikes expected to pay the same parking fees as cars, even though we're 1/5 the size?!?

[maggot]

Cheers maggot, yep that's the spot! Just behind the dark-coloured Accord on the right.

...

So does this mean I'd have been ticketed for not having a pay-and-display ticket displayed if I had parked a metre over, on the white lines? Are bikes expected to pay the same parking fees as cars, even though we're 1/5 the size?!?

I'm not 100% sure of pay-display rules for bikes on the street. I've parked in them before without paying and not been ticketed, don't know if that's down to blind luck or me being in the right though. Just general rules though, don't park on double yellows, don't park on footpaths, don't park in loading bays, cos they can and will ticket you for it. If you can, get into a legit spot.
Quick google unearths this http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/archive/index.php/t-72665.html
Give it a read re pay and display.
Just be glad we're not in welly, if you've been following the motorcycle parking squeeze out going on down there..

[shanks]

The story:
Today I got ticketed up at Grafton campus for parking on the yellow lines, all of about 1m outside a legitimate park (and next to a couple of other bikes) :angry:. It was at the end of a row of parallel parks (first on your right if you turn left into Park Ave from Park Rd if heading towards Grafton bridge). If the diagram below turns out, I parked roughly by the asterisk

_|___|___|*/



Wow thats harsh! I always see bikes parked there and they arent on yellow anyway. Actually I just bought my bike yesterday and was thinking of parking there in future. But having reading this, having second thoughts on that now.

Do you know anything about the bikes that are parked in that huge carpark just next to the Midas workshop?