Parking

Street

We need more parking in NYC! Please join the campaign for on-street motorcycle parking at http://ParkingNOW.org and voice your opinion!

If you love your bike... don't leave it on the street.

• If you do, check out http://www.kryptonitelock.com and get yourself a good lock.
• Lock your bike to something because most bikes are stolen by 3 guys picking it up and tossing it in a van.
• Do not lock your bike to a tree!!! its illegal and damages the few trees we have.
• Kryptonite U locks and the Kryptonite Fuggeddaboutit Chain can both be cut with a portable torch.
• Cover your bike... and a bike with a grungy cover will attract less attention.
• Covered bikes must have the license plate visible or you will get a ticket.
• You must have a license plate to be parked on a public street.
• License plates are frequently stolen for use on delivery guys scooters (see point above).
• If your bike does not have a plate, it may be towed! especially if the VIN is not visible.
• NYC has alternate side parking rules for street cleaning, you'll have to move your bike every day.
• Parking on sidewalks is not legal, however, you may or may not get a ticket for it.
• If the sidewalk is private, then it is legal to park on it... as long as you have permission from the owner of the property.
• To avoid a ticket for sidewalk parking do it on the streets not the avenues.
• Avoid sidewalks in front of upscale buildings as the doorman will call the cops on you.
• In fact, you should avoid any side walk area that would get in the way of foot traffic... being discreet is key

Going with the street has its issues. Your bike will most likely end up on its side. Expect no one to have respect for your bike as they try to squeeze their cars into spots far too small. Unfortunately most of the unofficial motorcycle parking areas on the street have been shut down by the city.

Craig's list has a want ad section for parking and storage. This is source of private listings and could be a cheap route for you. Its also good if you are just looking for winter storage: http://newyork.craigslist.org/prk

NYC DOT site is a great resource. You will find the Parking Rules (like not parking on the sidewalk!), Alternate Side Parking Calendar, a listing of all Municipal Parking Facilities, and lots of other good stuff: http://nyc.gov/dot

As it stands now... Motorcycles are excluded from most Municipal Parking Facilities!!!

Check out this press release from the NYPD on Articles/Theft!

Motorcycle Garages

There are a few garages in NYC that are exclusive to motorcycle parking. There are two in the east village, and are worth while even if you live on the upper west side. They give you 24 hour access to your bike with greater security. They also have facilities for you to work on your bike and there is a small community of people doing nice restorations. Its also a good way to meet people to ride with:

Rising Wolf Garage is by far the most active. Its run by Michael and Nuri who are both active motorcyclist. Michael has put a lot of effort in creating a space that is secure and functional. Each space has metal shelving to store your gear, an outlet near by to plug in a battery charger, Water to wash your bike (on the street), air compressor, oil recycling drum, and 24 hour keyed access with security cameras. Well worth the money:

 Rising Wolf Garage: 336 East 9th St.
                     New York, NY 10003
                     (212) 475-5858
                     (212) 505-5205 fax
                     mailto://risingwolfgarage@aol.com

The Other venue in the East Village is Cycle Garage, which seems to be less active... but you can give them a try:

 Cycle Garage: http://www.cyclegarage.net

Williamsburg in Brooklyn now has motorcycle garage as well called Moto Grrl. They are offering perks such as: alarm system with individual codes, security camera, air compressor and a lift, common workspace, and priority towing services.

 Moto Grrl: 117 Metropolitan Avenue
            Brooklyn, NY 11211
            (718) 384-0811
            (718) 554-7524 fax
            http://www.motorgrrl.com

Commercial Garages

There are private commercial garages that accept motorcycles. These garages have locations throughout the city, however, they are for parking only! They do not allow you to work on your bikes and security is not as strict as the motorcycle only facilities:

 Central Parking: http://www.parking.com/nywww
 Icon Paring: http://www.parkingnewyork.com

To search for garages that have parking for motorcycles try the http://nyc.bestparking.com site.

Your best bet is to circle around your hood to see what's available. This way you can check out the bike area in the garage... Sometimes you have to take an elevator to park you bike which mean you always have to wait for an attendant, or the bike area might suck with grease all over the floor and stuff dripping from the ceiling.