Ducati Monster Forum

Hi guys, I'm Sean, I'm new to the district, just moved down here for work. Have an extensively modded s2r which I'm stashing away at my parents house up north. Looking to pick up an older monster or hyper that I may have to keep on the street. Fortunately this city seems somewhat moto friendly, I have noticed folks parking on the sidewalk. I mostly ride solo but ill be looking forward to any group rides if they come about. Cheers.

Welcome. I'll let the proper DC residents comment on the real ins and outs of parking. The laws on the books suck a bit, and are even countermanded in some cases. According to DC, motos are supposed to park parallel to the curb except in moto specific spots that are painted for perpendicular parking - oh DC.

Parking on the sidewalk is tempting ticket fate a bit. Motocycles are not allowed to park on sidewalks. And DC definfes anything but mopeds as motorcycles. Yes, even a 50cc Metro scooter is a motorcycle in the district. Supposedly this is under review, as the code is written pretty goofly and note in tune with VA and MD.

http://www.dc.gov/DC/DDOT/On+Your+Street/Bicycles+and+Pedestrians/Bicycles/Non-Traditional+Motor+Vehicles+and+DC+Law (http://www.dc.gov/DC/DDOT/On+Your+Street/Bicycles+and+Pedestrians/Bicycles/Non-Traditional+Motor+Vehicles+and+DC+Law)

Welcome to the area mate!

General rule around the DC-area is do it at your own risk.  There are a few spots in DC where I know I can park on the sidewalk without being ticketed (i.e. Capital Hill).  I park my bike perpendicular/angled to the curb (not parallel),  DC drivers are bad at seeing parked bikes must less the moving ones. 

This link shows where DC has designated moto parking in and around the area (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=114066583653466842962.000455105473895cf9dc9 (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=114066583653466842962.000455105473895cf9dc9)).