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Free parking for motorbikes, scooters

July 24, 2008 01:05pm

Article from: AAP
MOTORCYCLE and scooter riders will be able to park for free on streets controlled by the Sydney City Council in its proposal to encourage smaller, more environmentally-friendly modes of travel.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore today launched a draft of the City of Sydney Motorcycle and Scooter Strategy, which also proposes cheaper road tolls for those travelling on two wheels, and the installation of public charging points for electric motorcycles.

"The city is committed to sustainable transport options and supports the gradual shift away from large, polluting vehicles to smaller, more efficient vehicles to complement walking, cycling and public transport," Cr Moore said.

Between 2001 and 2007 there had been a significant increase in the number of registered motorcycles, and scooters to about 1.5 per cent of traffic movements throughout Sydney, she said.

"For some years motorcycle (riders) have suffered inequalities and also had problems with safety and security and this strategy is a move to address (those problems)," Cr Moore said.

"Clearly with congestion in Sydney and increased petrol prices being an incentive, people are looking for alternatives."

In addition to 600 free untimed parking spots already offered across the city for motorbikes, the plan, which covers the whole of the councils area, will allow scooters and motorcycles to park free in ticketed street parking zones, so long as they comply with time limits.

The plan will also trial street locking devices for motorcycles in some areas, offer discounted rates at parking stations and for residential parking permits, and promote improved motorcycle awareness by car drivers.

The plan, which will be considered by the council's transport committee next week before a period of public consultation and a 12 month trial, was developed with the help of the Motorcycle Council of NSW.

On average a scooter uses between 3.6 litres and 4.2 litres of petrol per 100 km, compared to more than 10 litres per 100 kilometres for a typical Australian six cylinder family car.

"Savings are not only in money ... but it's also every litre of fuel that isn't burnt doesn't turn into greenhouse gas and that's even more important," plan author Peter Thoeming said.

Questioned about motorcycles running on coal-fired electric power still harming the atmosphere, Cr Moore said the draft strategy was a plan for the future.

"Wait until we get out green transformers across the grid. We are talking about the future," she said.

Cr Moore says she has not considered becoming a member of the scooter brigade herself, but she has recently bought a new bicycle and swapped her mayoral car for a hybrid Toyota Prius.