Bike parking spaces at Sylvia Park, Mt. Wellington

**PrincessBandit** · 2nd June 2008, 14:47

This afternoon Ripper Roo92 and I headed off to Sylvia Park shopping centre for a few things. We were going to take the bikes but as I wasn't sure what the situation would be like for bike parking I opted to take the car. (Doh, dumb idea as it seemed like half the population of Auckland was there by early afternoon). Anyway, headed up the ramp for rooftop parking and lo and behold there was a gap with narrow white lines to accomodate about 6 motorbikes, complete with "motorbike parking" signs! Woohoo, excellent, except that there were 2 cars parked in there. A blue Rav4 (rego DHN***)which was there from at least the time we arrived at 12.30 and was still there when we left at 2pm; the 2nd car had gone, but another had taken it's place (a celica rego. XE4***).

I know parking is a complete pain in the backside there but I was still bemused to find people using the bike spaces. Not really surprising I guess when able bodied drivers use disabled parking spaces, and "parent's with prams" spaces simply because they happen to be vacant at the time.
The lovely chappy in "The Sharing Shed", who did a great 'short back and sides' for RR92, told me that there is a generous space for motorbikes around the back in the number 1 carpark (along from the train stop). Went to check it out before leaving so as to find it easily next time, and sure enough (with clearly marked and complete with "tow away" signs) was aforementioned parking area. And nary a car in sight in the space! Amazing what "tow away" can do to keep greedy 4 wheeled vehicular transportation device operators away.
Tried phoning the shopping centre to find out what their policy (if any) is on cars taking the marked bike spaces but being a public holiday there was no answer from management office or customer services. Will try them again tomorrow and if they have anything of significance to say about the matter will post in here.
Rant over.

**alanzs** · 2nd June 2008, 14:54

I usually just pull up right by the front door and park it as close to the wall as possible.

**FJRider** · 2nd June 2008, 15:42

I just love hearing about parking problems in Auckland. We dont even have parking meters.

**skidMark** · 2nd June 2008, 15:47

Meh, oh the times when you wish you rode a trials bike.

**gijoe1313** · 2nd June 2008, 16:32

Well I was there today at Mt Wtgn (hey, you stalking me PB?

) ... normally I park around the back (where you mentioned the motorcycle dedicated spacing) but I rode to the front and just plonk my ride alongside the cafe area there. All under cover and very convenient too!

Mind you, I usually only go to watch the movies (and park my bike under cover by the doors near to the cinema).

I guess the moral of the story is ... ride your bike!

**TOTO** · 2nd June 2008, 17:00

I'll go research the are when new bike comes

Thanks princess

**alanzs** · 2nd June 2008, 17:48

Originally Posted by FJRider

I just love hearing about parking problems in Auckland. We dont even have parking meters.

Are there paved roads yet? Not to get too personal, but are there flush toilets yet, or is still the 'ol long drop?

**PrincessBandit** · 2nd June 2008, 19:42

Originally Posted by gijoe1313

Well I was there today at Mt Wtgn (hey, you stalking me PB?

) ... normally I park around the back (where you mentioned the motorcycle dedicated spacing) ...

Hey I'll have you know I'm very fussy about who I stalk!!

**skidMark** · 2nd June 2008, 19:55

Originally Posted by PrincessBandit

Hey I'll have you know I'm very fussy about who I stalk!!

Gezz looks like gijoe may end up with a wife afterall.

**jrandom** · 2nd June 2008, 19:59

The first time I went to Sylvia Park, I got lost, and ended up riding through the middle of the mall with a frantic security guard chasing me waving his arms in the air.

It was awesome.

**PrincessBandit** · 2nd June 2008, 20:15

Originally Posted by skidMark

Gezz looks like gijoe may end up with a wife afterall.

Only if I do a Dolly Levi (playing matchmaker).

Originally Posted by jrandom

The first time I went to Sylvia Park, I got lost, and ended up riding through the middle of the mall with a frantic security guard chasing me waving his arms in the air.

It was awesome.

I bet you did it on one of those little bubblegum scooters they have on display too! Just couldn't resist taking one of them for a burn and frightening the baby wheels of it

I've been there a few times and still have to rely on my kids to guide me through the maze that is Sylvia Park

**Stickchick** · 2nd June 2008, 20:17

Originally Posted by PrincessBandit

I bet you did it on one of those little bubblegum scooters they have on display too! Just couldn't resist taking one of them for a burn and frightening the baby wheels of it

No he did this on the GSX1400 and I was on the pillon seat!!!!!

**gijoe1313** · 2nd June 2008, 23:18

Originally Posted by jrandom

The first time I went to Sylvia Park, I got lost, and ended up riding through the middle of the mall with a frantic security guard chasing me waving his arms in the air.

It was awesome.

Originally Posted by Stickchick

No he did this on the GSX1400 and I was on the pillon seat!!!!!

Classic!

Mebbe I should do that with a newbie ride one day ... "just follow my lead ..."