Parking

Street

We need more parking in NYC! Please join the campaign for on-street motorcycle parking at Parking NOW and voice your opinion!

If you love your bike… don’t leave it on the street. If you do, get yourself a good lock. A few more tips for you:

• 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.  A good way to display your parking station receipt is to get a holder.

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.

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.

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

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 motorcyclists. 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:

The Other venue in the East Village is Cycle Garage, which has been consistently providing service since 1995:

Ryders Alley was established 2010, and was inspired by Rising Wolf. With Michael and Nuri’s expert advice and guidance, Demian opened his version of Rising Wolf, but in the Financial District of Manhattan and well as a second location in Midtown West. Downtown, the Street is actually called Ryders Alley. Demian has emphasized full security with proxy card keys, full video surveillance monitoring the garage cameras 24/7 and in addition requires CRIMINAL background checks for each member before being accepted. Because Demian is a race track addict, each bay is named after a motogp track. BBQs for motorcycle enthusiasts on the member and friends-of-members list will take place each Race Sunday of the MOTOGP Season while the races are screened in the lounge with the projector (inspired by Matchless). Each Bike is provided with a battery tender, 5-tier storage shelf. A communal workspace with a motorcycle lifts are available to members to wrench on their own bikes. Oil and Coolant Drums for recycling are on hand. Air compressor as well. Tire changer available on premises. With over 35 trackdays per year, Ryders Alley offers bike transport to and from track, eliminating a lot of work for New Yorkers to get to the track.

In Brooklyn, in Gowanus, adjacent to Park Slope, is VAX Moto. The facility has space for parking bikes, with flexible, long-term and short-term arrangements available. It also has a workspace with three lifts and tools, a lounge area with fooseball and a pool table, free WiFi, and is often the scene of parties, art exhibits, etc. Owned by Justin Walters.

Machina Cycles is a community minded Motorcycle and Scooter Storage Facility.  Located conveniently on the corner of 9th St and 3rd Ave in Brooklyn, Machina Cycles offers a full array of equipment and services for your year round needs.

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.

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:

To search for garages that have parking for motorcycles try the Best Parking 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 means 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.