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Sign the "Vespatition"
Written by Trapezoid   
Sunday, 13 August 2006
Vespatition
Seen in Spokane?
A few months ago, Mark mentioned his desire to see Spokane become more two-wheel friendly, i.e., provide free parking or designate areas downtown for scooter or motorcycle parking. We loved the idea, and even posted a story about Mark’s notion.

Since then, we’ve learned of other US cities that already have such programs in place, including Denver (where Amerivespa took place this year and the Mayor reportedly rides a scooter), Ann Arbor Michigan, where motorcycles park free in designated areas, and Toronto, where all parking is free for two-wheeled transport.

Toronto’s case provides an interesting example for Spokane. Not long ago, the city was like most in North America, treating scooters no differently than Humvees. But one rider, Michelle Calvert, got fed up with the hassles of parking downtown and went public with her complaints. Calvert, a web designer and Public-Relations consultant, even launched a protest Web site called www.rockthescooter.com .

Essentially, Calvert contended that scooters and motorcycles were being unduly penalized for doing "the right thing" in terms of fuel efficiency, emissions, and reducing traffic snarls. "People are sitting in traffic in cars and SUVs with the air conditioning blasting, just guzzling gas - why not make Toronto a 'scooter-friendly' city?" asked Calvert in a National Post article.

Calvert won. In November 2005, the City Council approved major changes to the city's parking bylaws, allowing motorized scooter and motorcycle owners to park their vehicles for free on metered city streets. The amendments were championed by a key councilmember who read about Calvert's plight, and agreed that the city should give scooter and motorcycle riders a break.

Toronto City staff is now exploring the idea of allowing scooters to park on city sidewalks, similar to Denver’s allowance for such parking for small-displacement scooters.

Scooter
Typical in the UK
With gas prices rising and cities recognizing the benefits of being perceived as “green,” the trend is growing. In the City of San Jose, local riders have gathered over 650 signatures in petitioning that community’s City Council for the creation of motorcycle parking. Scootering Manitoba , a Winnepeg-based club, is gathering signatures too, and recently sent a proposal to that City’s leadership advocating for Toronto-like regulations.

Vespa USA has even begun a national petition drive for improved parking conditions. Called “Vespatition,” the effort advocates for “promoting the conversion of some automobile parking spaces to two-wheel spaces…(a concept) that can be embraced by city councils, urban planners, local merchants, contractors, shopping center management and private businesses whenever parking for motor vehicles is provided.” The on-line petition, according to the website, will be publicized, and copies of petitions sent to mayors of communities where residents have participated.

Could Spokane join Toronto and Denver as among the more progressive, two-wheeled friendly cities on the continent? With politicians seeking low-cost ways to promote our City’s image and downtown conditions, it would seem an easy, and smart move.

So, sign the Vespatition. Contact the Downtown Spokane Partnership in support of the idea. Talk with your district Councilperson, and get in touch with Mark. He recently told us he plans to start working this issue when fall arrives.

One thing we love about Spokane is that it’s a large city still small enough for individuals to have an impact. Time for more positive change! dingbat

Vespatition (Vespa USA link)
Scoot Over (NY Times OpEd)
 
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