I'd like to report what may, as the summer progresses, become a
significant issue. The photographs in the link associated with this
email contain documentation of 5 motorcycles parked in the area reserved
for bicycle parking on the ground floor/ loading dock area near the 1st
floor entrance to the Basic Sciences Tower of the Health Sciences Center
as of 10AM on May 26, 2010. As this area is intended for bicycle
parking and is one of the few facilities provided for safe and effective
storage of bicycles in proximity to the HSC, the presence of these
motorcycles in areas designated for bicycle parking greatly limits the
access of this facility to those wishing to use it for the intended
purpose. My estimation is that the presence of these motorcycles in the
bicycle parking area this morning eliminated 8 available slots for those
wishing to lock bicycles there. Several times this spring, as I've been
preparing for my commute home by bicycle while one or several
motorcycles leaving at similar times and have been idling in the same
area thereby exposing me and others passing by to access the
Staff/Student parking lot to significant fumes associated with these
motorcyclists warming up their engines.
Further, to my knowledge, the loading dock area is a controlled access
area for motor vehicles and these motorcycles likely represent private
vehicles in the controlled access area.
I understand the desire of motorcyclists to secure their vehicles in a
protected area, but equivalent facilities exist in areas that are a bit
further from the building entrance and that do not limit use of bicycle
locking facilities. If motorcycles are permitted to park in this area,
I ask that signage be installed designating motorcycle parking and
bicycle parking. However, I don't understand why private motor vehicles
are allowed to operate and park in a controlled access area rather than
the gated (pay) parking structure directly adjacent to the building and
thus bypass the monthly access fee while simultaneously depriving those
who wish to use the bicycle locking facilities of proper access.
I present this only as an impending issue. While I know this is not a
daily or critical issue, I have noticed that it is more of an issue
during "motorcycle season." Whether enforcement action is taken, I will
leave up to you, but I do ask for vigilance in this regard and support
for HSC Faculty, Staff and Students who wish to commute by bicycle.

Thank you,
(name withheld to protect me)

Pictures can be found here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7912380...7624016779891/

I will look into the signage issue, but unfortunately motorcycles are not allowed to park in the garage, it is a dangerous situation for them to enter the gated area. I will work with Parking and the HSC admin.