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Thursday, June 21, 2012

RHODE ISLAND - Lawmakers give the nod to special motorcycle parking spots

OFF THE WIRE

PROVIDENCE – Bikers with business to take care of at municipal or state buildings that provide public parking soon won’t have to use a whole auto space to park. Starting next year, they'll get their own special spots, according to a June 12 press release from the State House.
Legislation passed by the Rhode Island General Assembly, and signed into law by the governor, requires that a motorcycle parking plan be established by November of this year for parking areas at state, city or town buildings, and that parking spaces be made available by April 1, 2013. The requirement would not apply to state airport lots.
The motorcycle parking bills were sponsored by Sen. John Tassoni Jr., a Democrat in District 22, Smithfield and North Smithfield, and Rep. Peter John Petrarca, a Democrat serving District 44, Lincoln, Johnston and Smithfield.
Under the new law, the parking plan will provide for motorcycle parking spaces in areas that are adjacent to or within sight of the applicable municipal or state building. Spaces will be designated with appropriate signage, and the parking plan may be revised as situations warrant but must be reviewed at least once every five years.
The number and placement of designated motorcycle parking spaces are to be determined as a result of motorcycle use by employees in those buildings and the input of motorcycle owners and are to be made available from April through November.
The law provides that any unauthorized use of a designated parking space will result in an $85 fine.