Due to the recent increase in ticketing and towing of motorcycles in the Downtown core, along with continued confusion in translating the current bylaws by the general public as well as the Citys own enforcement officers,
We, the undersigned citizens & motorcyclists of the province of British Columbia, petition the City of Vancouver to take action on the following:
1. Review and update the current relevant Bylaws & Downtown Transportation Plan to reflect the recognition of motorcycles as an alternative transportation solution, separate from 4 wheeled, heavier and larger motor vehicles.
2. Allow and provide corner clearance parking, plus updating the relevant Bylaws to reflect this change.
3. Provide more widespread on-street designated parking throughout the Downtown core (not just two locations).
4. Provide more off-street designated parking in more of the City run parking lots (all EasyPark lots).
5. Allow and provide designated parking on boulevards where public safety & convenience is not compromised.
Ever since the final release of the Downtown Transportation Plan (DTP) in July 2002, little has been done to facilitate any provisions for motorcycle parking. The DTP does not actively promote motorcycle use as part of an overall plan to reduce congestion & pollution. Instead, the DTP states that motorcyclists comprise a very small percentage of Vancouvers registered vehicles (< 2%) and this does not warrant any special provisions or free parking. On the contrary, because of this low percentage, motorcyclists should be encouraged to ride downtown and be granted free parking, as these vehicles are smaller and more energy-efficient. Motorcycles take the place of larger single occupant vehicles and help to reduce congestion by supporting a free-flowing transportation network as pursued by the DTP.
As a step towards improvement to the DTP, the City of Vancouver must start recognizing motorcycles by providing better access and following the lead of Cities such as Burnaby.