Parking and Pavements

[karen_moomin]

Just wondering for when I eventually have the confidence to ride to work....what is the law on parking on a pavement?

There was a bike parked outside earlier today which made me think about where I'm going to park mine. It wasn't obstructing anything, there was plenty of room for pedestrians or even a hippo (I'm talking about a very wide pavement outside my office)

Anyone know the rules on this?

[dr_chriz]

I have no idea about the rules (should do as i'm a law student ) but i have always parked on the pavement and nobody ever seems to mind as long as it isn't obstructing fire exits etc and people can get past....


Chris
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"It'll be alright in the morning"

[ProXimaCore]

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=19019

Try that thread. Haven't read over it myself but I remembered it from a while ago. Hope it's of some use.
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Honda NSR125R -> Suzuki GSXR400R GK76a -> Kawasaki ZX636 B1H -> Honda CBR400RR NC29 -> Nothing

[phill.c]

me too, i always park on pavements, only had one problem at college when i got a little piece of paper stuck to my bike saying the kitchen lady couldn't get her trolley past

[headlamp]

A lot will depend on where you are. Also whether the pavement is busy, like a High Street with shops, or is quiet.

In London, it is generally accepted that you are not allowed to park on the pavements, as you are blocking a public footpath. However I park, in Chiswick, on the pavement in a little 'alcove' opposite my building. There are more traffic wardens in Chiswick then anywhere else in the world with the exception of Camden & Westminster & they walk past my bike to go from their base to the High Street. I have never had a ticket.

In Westminster, they will give you a ticket for parking anywhere on the pavement, even if it is on 'private land' but connected to the pavement, same in Camden.

A good site to check out on this is: -

www.parkingticket.co.uk

Once you get going it is worthwhile checking the parking restrictions generally for bikes, in your area as each council has different rules.

For example I can park in Hammersmith & Fulham in a Pay & Display area for free, however in Chiswick I have to stick to designated motorcycle bays. In Barnet & Kensington & Chelsea you can park in Residential permit areas (sensibly) but if you try it in Camden it you get a ticket before you have taken off your helmet!
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Using a mobile phone while driving a car should be made a capital offence!

[Chuck100]

I used to live in Battersea (in London), and they're cool with parking a scooter on the pavement - their test is 'could someone with a double pram fit through the gap?' - I jest not.

Westminster is a nightmare - my brother got done for parking his scooter on the pavement - the ticket said 'two or more wheels parked on the pavement'. He argued back saying that as it was a scooter, and up on the centre stand, only one wheel was on the ground. He got off but they've now changed the wording of the ticket to read 'one or more wheels...'.

Just stop and ask a traffic warden in the area, they'll be able to tell you. If you're nice to them they're usually nice back.

Cheers.

Chuck.
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I shall see you, sir, upon the hustings

[Slavo]

That was one of the questions I was asked by my instructor after taking my cbt. He said that it wasn't allowed by law, as is exactly the same for cars. He said it wouldn't be acceptable to park your car on the pavement, but as many people know, in narrow streets this is often done with cars half on half off.

Personally, I wouldn't like to leave my bike on the pavement as there's nothing to chain it to.

[billy whizz]

Your bike is a registered vehicle therefore it don't belong on a public footpath! It is an offence to do it, however the police don't really bother unless they cause an obstruction but it's bonus time for traffic wardens! You have been warned
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Here comes the summer!

[doggone]

I got a fine in Redcar for parking on a bit of paving a few years back - was dead annoyed as it wasn't really the footpath, just a 'dead area' of paving with litter swirling round on it.

I wrote in pointing this out but they wouldn't back down.
Obviously it's a bad thing if people are havingto walk around your bike.

Sometimes close to the wall is actually within the curtilage of the building and not footpath at all. - then it is allowed, provided the building's owners don't complain!

[PsychoHippy]

I was advised by a copper in Chippenham not to use the bike parking area in the car parks because they are too out of site, but instead to park on the very wide piece of pavement at the end of the high street. It does seem they will (usually) not worry too much if you aren't causing any problems.
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I spend all my money on bikes and beer, the rest I simply waste!

[Jack2004]

I only ever park it on the path if i go to the shop.

[BiKeBiKeBiKe]

If Theres No Alternitive I Would Park On The Pavement But U Always Get The Stupid People Who Decide They Are Going To Scratch Your Bike And If It Is On Certian Places Like The Tank It Can Cost Quite A Lot To Get It Respray

BiKeBiKeBiKe
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BiKeBiKeBiKe Needs A New BiKeBiKeBiKe Coz He Aint Got A BiKeBiKeBiKe So BiKeBiKeBike
Is Not Happy Because He Cant Go And Ride A BiKeBiKeBike

[AcIdBuRnZ]

Make sure you are not restricting any public rights of way. Parking on a pavement is illegal but you could get away with it if you keep the bike out of the way, don't block any fire exits and that kind of thing.

Best to find an alternative Most multi-stories have bike park spaces for free

Mark
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Past: Honda NSR125R >> Kawasaki ER-5a2 >> Kawasaki ZZR-600e1 >> Suzuki GSXR-750Y >> Honda VTR 1000 Firestorm
"Chickity China the Chinese Chicken..."

[zaknafien]

It's great living in my town, I've never seen a traffic warden anywhere near or around where I live.
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02 Firestorm.

[karen_moomin]

Thanks for the tips! I think I've spotted a nice little space at the back of our office. It's not our land so I might have to have a word, but unless they are complete tossers there should be no problem. Plus it's right out of view and my boss can check on it during his 200 fag breaks

zaknafien - No wardens? Lucky you! You can have some of ours