Bike etiquette (Parking)

[Stitches]

It takes a certain type a bastard to proudly acclaim that he is A. a Bastard, and B has been so recently. As such I join the long line of folks who have committed a "dick move". Today while going out to lunch I found myself in a parking lot where the only available parking spot was in a space occupied by a BMW rs100 or similar. I regrettably poinied up next to him; not as to interfere with his leaving, but certainly as to use some of his space. It then occurred to me that I've never been instructed in the ways of Biker parking etiquette. I was wondering, at what point is close too close? and what makes a "polite" fellow motorcyclist on the road, and when surrounded by hyper-caffinated soccer-mom death machines?

[McVaaahhh]

As long as you don't get in the way of the bike that's already occupying the space, either in parking so close the guy can't get on/around his bike, or can't leave the space he parked in I'd say you're fine.

Polite on the road should never trump safety.

[fullgrownbear]

You should've parked on his right in such a way that when you dropped your kickstand your left bar-end was touching his tank ;)

[matt2778]

One motorcycle per One car parking space

[tarded400]

Interesting.... I hate those guys that park so that they take up the entire parking spot. To me it seems like a compotent motorcyclist should be able to park 2 per spot at least. At CSU they made nice little parking "lines" so that each bike takes up 1.5X the room they need and cut down on spots. On the other hand, I don't want to come out from a meal and see some jackass parked 2" from me and a scratch all the way down my tank.

[Snowman]

They have it figured out in London. As long as the other guy can get out I don't think there should be a issue.

http://www.motorcycleparking.com/images/_full_bay.jpg

[Aracheon]

There's a few guys at work who ride. I always park in such a way that someone else could park in the spot too. I don't mind if someone parks in the same slot as I do, as long as I can get out.

[XJ600s]

I'll usually just park way out in the lot where there are a ton of open spots...that way those in-a-hurry soccer moms don't accidentally (or intentionally) pull into the spot with my bike because they "couldn't see it" around the other cars.

When thats not an option, I park in the middle of the spot to avoid any doors swinging out and hitting my bike. At work, I park in a corner of the parking garage that is not painted for a spot, but fits my bike and has room for another 5 bikes at least. Thing is, it doesn't say no parking or is painted with no parking white or yellow striped lines.

[tarded400]

XJ- I know what you mean about people pulling in really fast... almost had it happen to me. Now I park way out even with the other people's bumpers so they have a better chance of seeing me. I always leave it in gear too, so if it does get bumped, maybe it won't go down. Doesn't help when some moron backs completely over your bike though... ask me how I know.

[Jason ON]

I always park out towards the "aisle" of the parking space to avoid those people in a hurry to pull into a space only to bump me.

Otherwise, as long as the other person can get on their bike and pull out without having difficulties, then I think you're okay.

[asp_125]

At work there's a few older guys with their hardly davidsons and their wide saddle bags and huge assed windshield fairings. I can't see sharing a space with them. I park in back where the normal sized bikes park, we can squeeze closer and still not block anyone.

[zetaetatheta]

I always look for a fat chick lying face down sunbathing then put the front wheel in her ass crack. No kickstand nor tie downs required. :yumyum:

[MetaLord 9]

Since I got yelled at for parking on the overlarge sidewalk area at our building I take up an entire space with my bike. I don't regularly see other bikes at the office so I don't usually worry about it. I always park in the middle of the spot so no one tries to squeeze in or crowd the bike with their car and I leave my rear tire sticking out past the nearby bumpers to keep people from rushing in on it. As long as I can throw a leg over, stand the bike up, & get out with worrying about bumping, scratching, or even touching another bike or car I'm fine.

[Joecycle]

Since I got yelled at for parking on the overlarge sidewalk area at our building I take up an entire space with my bike.

Same! People bitched when I parked close to the building in a spot that wasn't designated for parking, but had plenty of room. They were jealous. So now I take up an entire spot and they bitch about that. :applause:
But anywhere else I go, I'll leave room and I'm fine with 2 bikes in a spot.

[ihavealegohead]

1 bike 1 spot, unless you plan to leave at the same time.. If one bike leaves early the other bike is parked with 3/4 of the spot open, which might lead some cagers to park next to your bike.

[BigE]

On a ride to Estes a couple years back we got 11, yes Eleven!, bikes in 1 parking place. Without scratching anything up too.

[455bird]

11 :shock:?!? http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk160/sky_blue909/CSC%20noob%20ride%20may08/DSCN0773.jpg This is the group I was with on the noob ride, and I thought that was impressive.
If I'm in a hurry I usually park towards the back of the space so the bike can be seen easily by others looking for a spot, but there is still enough room for someone else on a bike to pass me and park in front of me. But I worry about the people next to me thinking they have another inch or two when backing out and knocking the bike over. Which is why I normally park far away from cars and typically next to some type of median or island in the parking lot. All in all, if you don't scratch my bike and it's not a TOTAL pain for me to get out, feel free to park next to me.

[BigE]

OK, I will admit we had to do some...ah, shuffling...to get all the bikes in and we may have been at touch over the line on the sidewalk side. We parked 8 side by side crossways in the space and the other 3 lined up on the side. Somewhere I have pics, I think on my other computer.

[Xtremjeepn]

I always park to allow 2-3 bikes in a spot. In 28 years I have yet to see a bike actually downed by someone rushing into a spot thinking it was open.

I do see them try to go for the spot but to actually drive into it and hit the bike is super rare.

At my office there are 2-3 guys that ride often and we all share a spot. It is nice because when one guy leaves for lunch the other bikes keep the spot when he returns. It is also a great way to meet other bikers. That is how I met one of the other CSC guys.

When I was at CSU (before there recent parking lot changes) They had little blocked off motorcycle parking areas. Just 10x10 square areas with parking blocks around them. You could only get in between the blocks. The ONLY way to get all the bikes in and out was to be able to move other bikes around. Everyone knew this and left their steering unlocked. I have found that motorcyclists tend to be VERY respectful of others bikes.

Multiple bikes in one space is not only courtious to cars in a parking lot but tends to make your bike safer than sitting all by itself. A bike sitting far off in a lot by itself has a greater change of being not seen and hit by a car flying between rows than bikes parked in a group.

[tarded400]

They left their steering unlocked? Where were you parking? I only left a note on one bike telling them they could move mine because I parked so they couldn't get out very easily because that was the only spot. I don't know how I'd feel about someone else moving my bike, and I don't think I would feel free to move someone elses... I do remember the engineering bike parking.... it was the size of 2 regular parking spots and it was solid motorcycles.

[Xtremjeepn]

This was back in 90-96. The parking by the student center and library were always packed.

[tarded400]

Looks like you took the same graduation schedule I am! That spot is still pretty crowded, but only in the warm (really warm) weather. I could park anywhere I wanted when it was below 50 degrees.

[Clovis]

I always park to leave room for another bike and it's never been an issue; likewise I try to park next to other bikes for the reasons already mentioned.

All though when I worked at Countrywide, there was this guy (one of the military units that shared the building with us) that rode a Honda Superhawk that didn't like that; I parked next to him in the same splot with plenty of room for both of us, left for lunch and came back... he had actually gone out and moved his bike to be directly in the middle and angled to take the whole spot, so some bikers don't appreciate it and are dicks.

It was a pain in the ass because while most days parking wasn't an issue, on others they had conferences or something and the parkinglot would be 100% full by 8am and I had to use one of 3 designated parking garage spots, assuming they weren't already taken.

-Clovis

[Mental]

I always park to allow 2-3 bikes in a spot. In 28 years I have yet to see a bike actually downed by someone rushing into a spot thinking it was open...

My first bike (waaay back in 1989) had that happen to it three times. I worked at a movie theater. Then I started parking it on the sidewalk and folks started thinking it was a jungle gym, I actually caught one guy lifting his kid and placing him on my bike.

So then I started parking to one side of a space and even with the bumpers of the cars, usually facing out. There are a lot more bikes around now than there was back then, so its not as much of an issue. On other bases I have been at, we would do the same as mentioned, put em four to a spot and leave your steering unlocked to roll the other guy out. It was respectful of other bikes, but you usually know the guy/gal as well.

I still park to the side and forward of a spot and around here, usually find another bike in the spot when I leave, which is why I do it.

[Sortarican]

One bike per one spot?!?!?!?!
What planet did you learn to ride on? That's just wasteful.
(Unless you're parking next to Shea, then you want at least 10' of clearance.)

[Devaclis]

I am pretty good about making sure anyone can park next to me. except Jeff. For some reason, I subconsciously park right in the center of a spot when I know he is coming .

[Sortarican]

... except Jeff. For some reason, I subconsciously park right in the center of a spot when I know he is coming .

Yeah, right.....coincidence?
(Dana parks like a douche.):321:

[Devaclis]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/devaclis/Funny/roberto.jpg

[Sortarican]

Oh Yeah......that's not a knife....now this is a knife!

http://media.urbandictionary.com/image/page/knifey-spoony-6582.jpg

[Xtremjeepn]

Could you imagine how pissed the general public would be at a GTG if everyone parked one bike per spot?????


I can envision an entire bar parking lot full of motorcycles all 10' apart perfectly square in the middle of their own parking spot.

[Sortarican]

I can envision an entire bar parking lot full of motorcycles all 10' apart perfectly square in the middle of their own parking spot.

Next time one of the group get's a ticket or hassled for parking somewhere other than a marked spot let's all do that.
It'd be a great way of making a point.

[tarded400]

Ooooo boy. Wouldn't want to be the jerk I caught putting his kids on my bike.

[CaptGoodvibes]

At work there's a few older guys with their hardly davidsons

Exsqueeze me? Baking powder?

[CYCLE_MONKEY]

I'll take a full spot, at the end so it can be seen IF there are plenty of spaces. If not I'll try and squeeze in. We have designated M/C spots here 1/2 wide.

[Stitches]

thanks guys, very informative.

[Jadam]

Next time one of the group get's a ticket or hassled for parking somewhere other than a marked spot let's all do that.
It'd be a great way of making a point.

+1 ^

I love parking on the sidewalk, and smile at all the suckers giving me dirty looks cuz they had to park 10 miles away. :)

[jbnwc]

I, too, park on the sidewalk if it's safe and out of the way. I see it as being courteous to the cagers by not taking up their spaces.

[Xtremjeepn]

I, too, park on the sidewalk if it's safe and out of the way. I see it as being courteous to the cagers by not taking up their spaces.


I always thought of it this way too. But they just don't seem to see that.

I lived in a condo for awhile and had a bike and car. Parking was limited in the lot so I would put the bike sideways at the front of the space so I could fit my bike and car in the same space.

They apparently enraged some of the neighbors that would leave me nasty notes about "reserving" a spot. They would park in the space with my bike.....then I would bang on their door at 4 am asking them to move their car so I could go for a ride:eyebrows:

I finally parked the bike in it's own space and strangely never had another issue. (but was taking up two of our limited spaces now instead of one). People just don't get it sometimes.

[MetaLord 9]

People are gonna grumble, that's about all there is. Best laid plans & all..

[Xtremjeepn]

I actually had a guy in college put a note on my bike that said "you need to move this bike, a car could park in this space".

[jbnwc]

People are gonna grumble, that's about all there is. Best laid plans & all..

Amen - It's like the other thread about double yellow passing. You gotta just do what you need to do and ignore the few whiners who are sad about their life not being as fun as ours.

[tarded400]

I actually had a guy in college put a note on my bike that said "you need to move this bike, a car could park in this space".

Funny, I had puke left on my bike in college....

[Xtremjeepn]

Funny, I had puke left on my bike in college....


Haha.....buddy of mine puked ON my 1967 Camaro RS/SS one night in high school without me knowing it. He decided that if he did not clean it up I would kill him. So he spent the rest of the night (3am to 7am) washing and WAXING my BLACK car in the dark so I would not find out.

He snuck off before I found it. I came out of my house to find a sparking PERFECT Camaro. I was baffled!!! I parked my car dirty, then the next morning it was perfectly clean....hmmm.:shocked:


He confessed the story years later.

[tarded400]

apparently they don't have the same courtesy at the dorms.

[dm_gsxr]

There's a post up on STN that at least one of the garages downtown has put in a mechanism that is dangerous to motorcyclists and as such has banned motorcycles from the garage (the OP didn't post the name of the company though).

In that event, I'd take a single spot and ask that other riders do the same to show just how many spaces could be taken, especially now.

Back in Virginia, when I parked in the building garage, they'd try to park me against a side wall or in a corner when I rode in. I told them no way. If I have to pay full price to park, I get a full space to park in. You want me to park next to the wall, then I get a break.

The VRE had free parking so I'd park in the slashed spots in the corners instead of in a space. The garage would get pretty full so I was being courteous.

Generally though in lots, I'll park back or front with the bumper and in the center of the spot for doors and folks who hurry into a spot. On the street I'll park to leave room for one more rider.

Carl

[Kevin]

I only saw a couple mentions here of parking on the sidewalk, and I've always wondered about this. I parked on the sidewalk amidst a sea of scooters downtown once and got a ticket 'cause I was over 50cc. Now I take up a whole spot and don't feel bad about it! But at the grocery store, kmart, or wherever if it's a big sidewalk, I'll park there if I can find a spot that's out of the way of pedestrians, but I always feel wierd when I drive up the little walkway ramp to get onto the sidewalk. I got a warning ticket at the mall for doing this once, so now I park in the "designated" bicycle parking spot in the parking lot, where there's ample room for the bike. Haven't gotten a ticket yet.
Do the rest of you guys use the sidewalk? What's your thoughts about this?

[longrider]

I frequently park on the sidewalk and have never been hassled about it. Whether or not I do it just depends on the layout of the building, I want to be able to get up on the sidewalk without having to ride through pedestrians, and the parking spot needs to be out of any walking paths.

[Dogsbody]

At work we have covered parking for the bikes and all the cars are outside (sweet!). They took like four cager slots divided and painted them creating a section for 15 bikes and there are two sections for the bikes. My only gripe is this dude on a trike, he takes up two spots and then some, personally I think he should be out with the cagers or in a handicapped spot (why else would you be on a trike?). Sometimes if I come in late, all the bike spots are full then I have to go out into the hinterlands with the cagers. Then I do take up a full spot and stick my nose out a tad.

[thagnome]

dont know about everyone else, but i try to stick my tire out of the back at an angle you can see, but far enough over so that other bikes can still get in past me, i usually figure on spot should be able to fit average 3 bike's comfortably

[httc84]

...i try to stick my tire out of the back at an angle you can see, but far enough over so that other bikes can still get in past me...

That's my typical park. Don't pull in too far to keep the cagers from whipping in and try to leave room for another bike.

I'll share a spot but will not pull in with a Harley in the spot. Some of those people are a might touched.

[FZRguy]

I’ll occasionally park on a sidewalk for brief periods, but you can get a ticket for it. Or someone could get mad and damage your bike. I lobbied for and got five marked spaces for motorcycles at work. It’s on a concrete pad that used to have a bicycle rack that was no longer in use (we have a bike rack inside now). Also, got the space next to it marked off for easy entry/exit.

[thagnome]

im also a soldier, and on post you can park your bike wherever the fu** you want, ive never seen 5-0 put parking tickets on anything other than cagers, and ive yet to get a ticket

[Wyck]

There was an oversized sidewalk area near our employee entrance that people used to park in. Everyone was pretty cool with it all the security guards knew whose bike was whose. Recently they pulled down all the trees that overhung the sidewalk and put in a really nice concrete pad specifically for motorcycle parking.

[Spooph]

I pretty much follow the golden rule for this one. If I were the owner of a store, or a passerby, would this motorcycle parked here give me any reason to get mad? I prefer to park in such a manner that is courteous to other motorcyclists needing to park, first, unobstructive and safe, second, and legal, third.

It's usually pretty easy to tell if another bike wants a buddy in the parking spot. If it's right in the middle, then obviously not. If it's off to one side, that person is courteous and thought ahead.... I've never had a problem parking on sidewalks, etc. I make sure I'm out of the way and hidden from all but the key "approaches".... ANd I'm always happy to join like-minded offenders on the sidewalk and support the cause! :P

[RCcarver]

I, too, park on the sidewalk if it's safe and out of the way. I see it as being courteous to the cagers by not taking up their spaces.
I almost always park way out of the way of little kids possibly walking by and touching my pipes right after I've parked.

[thagnome]

you mean we shouldnt invite them to touch the pipe's after we park? dear lord, does that make me a bad person....?

[SVMike]

I park at the end and on one side as well so A. if someone wants to park next to me they can, B. like Jason said nobody will rish in thinkin the space is empty and hit my car. C. I park at the end because a few times I parked up towards the front in my apartment garage and some Dbag parked diagonally behind me so I couldn't even get out. As far as soccer mom's, I just stay out of there blind spots and stay try to pass em asap so they don't side swipe me.

[Aphrodite]

I follow the rule as mentioned above. I will ask my self though, will someone get pissed off cause I parked here and cream my bike to either turn around or bump it getting out of their car *sigh* I had a cager take his door to his Pontiac Transport and hit my bike hard enough to bust the plastics on the tail of the bike at the McDonalds @ Hampden and Federal I didn't see him do it, but another on looker did and didn't bother to get any information so all I could do is be pissed so now I keep my distance away from doors of cars even.

On another note I heard that the police had a field day (Tuesday 6-1-10 I think) in Glendale @ Starbucks with motorcycles parking in handicap spots and along the curb. I used to park along the curb all the time there cause the parking spaces are so close people use the spaces that bikes are in to stick the nose of their cars to back into the spaces. Can't win for loosing, it seems.

[thagnome]

they were off the charts today on I-25S between tejon, and academy, they were pulling over cager's left and right

[bikernoj]

Wow, I haven't been on here in a long time! I was unemployed for 11 months with all the wallet-puckering fun that goes with it, but at least I could still make the mortgage & CBR payments (the important things, right?)

No one here mentions the gaping striped areas between the rows of handicapped spots or near bicycle racks? Not between the spaces, mind you, just in the still-striped-but-no-handicapped-person-will-use-it-anyway areas. I have seen them used and have parked in them often and never had a problem... but does it make me a douche?

[Sully]

Sometimes the handicap people DO USE those areas since they may have a side door on their van/car, etc. that they need to load their wheelchair into. Does it make you a douche? If you need to ask, yes, probably. lol

[Ricky]

If the person parked like an asshole so that another bike can't park there, It depends on if there's room. If there's room, I'll make every effort to get in, just to be an asshole and hope he comes out before me.

When I park in an empty spot, I ALWAYS park to the side of the spot, and near the spot entrance so that other cars can immediately see my bike. If you do it right, you can easily get 3 people in a spot and be covered on 3 sides, and still be ok. But I refuse to park in a spot and not leave room for another motorcycle. WASTE OF SPACE!

[bulldog]

I got into a huge argument with one of the parking garages downtown when I worked there. I use to park where all the bicycles do since there were way too many bicycle spots already and they never came close to filling up. Well of course I eventually have them come to me and say I cannot do that and if I want to park in the garage I need to buy a spot. I say fine I will buy the spot, but I also have two other buddies that ride that will share it with me since we can all fit in that one spot. Well they didn’t go for that. How annoying since I was taking up the same amount of room as one car, yet had to pay the full price (which was already way overpriced especially since half the spots were empty).

[Devaclis]

I park it in the corner



because I am slow

[Scatterbrain]

Ya know we've had that same issue here at work. We have parking just like the picture that snowman posted so you have to back your bike in and lean it just right on your stand. Unfortunately there's a few snobs at work that don't like you parking too close. Fortunately for me i work 12 hour shifts so when i get to work no ones there and when i leave no one's there. But if i take it at lunch there's always a dozen bikes out there to compete with when parking when i get back. I'd say if you have at least 2-3 feet on each side you should have no qualms with space and or getting on or off the bike and touching their's.

[CharlieRotten]

If i "double up" on a space with a stranger, i pull in opposite of the bike so that when i lean the bike over, its leaning opposite the direction that his bike is leaning such as: )(

[RAGrote]

Stay out of the handicap parking - YA' JACKASS! You don't deserve to park in the hash marks either - SO DON'T!!

I understand you feel "entitled" but YOU'RE NOT!

Not even on POST!

[highpsi03]

Stay out of the handicap parking - YA' JACKASS! You don't deserve to park in the hash marks either - SO DON'T!!

I understand you feel "entitled" but YOU'RE NOT!

Not even on POST!
Whooooaa

[fook]

heh just the other day i saw someone park in the already pretty narrow striped space between the only two handicap spots at a restaurant.. how that rider couldn't realize he'd be blocking any handicap side exit was beyond me.

i generally stay away from the handicap areas, i also generally try to take up only half a space but if they're tight(read: boulder) spaces i dont bother because with panniers, my R12RT is already a wide load and usually i'll just go find a spot that's already got some truck making the space unusable for a car anyways.

however i did enjoy the one time i came out to find 3 scooters had invaded my spot parking on both sides of me.

oh yah, btw; motorcycle parking is not a god damned showcase for your POS CBR at the Lifetime fitness up in Westminster.. last summer there was always some bmw car parking in the designated motorcycle spot and i complained loudly and often about it, so this summer they put a few concrete chocks around the motorcycle area.. great, right?

wtf, how many riders don't understand that generally you pull in between the chocks, turn and back up to the curb forming a row.. simple yes? guess not for the couple of guys flying in at an angle, dropping kickstand smack in the middle and walking off because god knows we all want to look at your bike instead of park ours.

[tinkerinWstuff]

Stay out of the handicap parking - YA' JACKASS! You don't deserve to park in the hash marks either - SO DON'T!!

I understand you feel "entitled" but YOU'RE NOT!

Not even on POST!

:shock:

http://www.freshdirect.com/media/images/product/hba_8/hba_midol_extend_p.jpg

[Ricky]

Since I'm unable to walk, I'm allowed to park in the handicap spots at work until I'm back on my feet. I always park in a specific spot that gives me a bit of extra room (Shaded open area on the drivers side) to open my door all the way and get my crutches out and be able to get out of the car. Day before yesterday, some Harley asshole decided it'd be a great idea to park his GIANT bike right next to my fucking drivers side door. Piece of shit parked so close that I couldn't even open my door to the first resting notch.

Seriously, FUCKED UP. I understand making use of those handicap shaded areas, but please leave some fucking room for those of us who actually need it. I can't fucking walk, you can. Park farther away if you have to. You aren't that special just because you ride a motorcycle.


Stay out of the handicap parking - YA' JACKASS! You don't deserve to park in the hash marks either - SO DON'T!!

I understand you feel "entitled" but YOU'RE NOT!

Not even on POST!

I actually disagree. There are many places where a motorcycle can fit just fine, and not impede the use of the spots for other people.

[asp_125]

.. Day before yesterday, some Harley asshole decided it'd be a great idea to park his GIANT bike right next to my fucking drivers side door. Piece of shit parked so close that I couldn't even open my door to the first resting notch.

Seriously, FUCKED UP. I understand making use of those handicap shaded areas, but please leave some fucking room for those of us who actually need it. I can't fucking walk, you can. Park farther away if you have to. You aren't that special just because you ride a motorcycle.

...

Note to bike owner: "Oops I'm sorry about your broken mirror, I am new to crutches and well.. that dent in your tank was from me falling onto your bike, oh and I'm sure you can just buff out that scratch I put in your fender as I grabbed for the door and it accidentally hit your bike like 6 times."

[RAGrote]

:shock:

http://www.freshdirect.com/media/images/product/hba_8/hba_midol_extend_p.jpg

thank you for clearly identifying yourself as one of "those".

The next time you see a handicap vet try to get out of his van and can't because some clown (read; YOU) parked in his space please be sure to approach and tell them how much you appreciate their sacrifice before you drive off.

[MetaLord 9]

...ok. Hot tempers in here, I see.

I consider lined, non-handicapped spaces to be fair game as they're usually only lined because they're not big enough or properly shaped to be a parking space for a car/truck.

[tinkerinWstuff]

thank you for clearly identifying yourself as one of "those".

The next time you see a handicap vet try to get out of his van and can't because some clown (read; YOU) parked in his space please be sure to approach and tell them how much you appreciate their sacrifice before you drive off.

Don't pretend you know me. I'll have you know I had a medical discharge from the Airforce due to an injury in Saudi. So how 'bout you take that Midol I prescribed and chill out?

[Ricky]

thank you for clearly identifying yourself as one of "those".

The next time you see a handicap vet try to get out of his van and can't because some clown (read; YOU) parked in his space please be sure to approach and tell them how much you appreciate their sacrifice before you drive off.

There's a difference between parking in the handicap areas and parking in an area so as to impede the handicappers.

Btw, I DO NOT GIVE A FUCK if someone is a vet or not. Just because someone is a vet, does NOT make them more special than ANY other person.

[CaptGoodvibes]

I can't believe I'm saying this but, you should have kicked that Harley over. Now, please no one kick over my Harley. I'm trying to sell it. Carry on...

[Speedwagon]

Note to bike owner: "Oops I'm sorry about your broken mirror, I am new to crutches and well.. that dent in your tank was from me falling onto your bike, oh and I'm sure you can just buff out that scratch I put in your fender as I grabbed for the door and it accidentally hit your bike like 6 times."

:D:yay:

[Spooph]

When I park in the handicap cross-hatches, I prefer to park in between the concrete stop and the sign. This allows the disabled to have full use of either side of their car and all the cross hatches, and all of us to use space as appropriately as possible. Not even to mention, if somebody rolls in as I get ready to roll out, I have the opportunity to help them. Some of you might find this corny and ridiculous, but I always feel better about my day if I'm able to offer a hand.... I've never had issues with this before....

[Drunktank]

Since I'm unable to walk, I'm allowed to park in the handicap spots at work until I'm back on my feet. I always park in a specific spot that gives me a bit of extra room (Shaded open area on the drivers side) to open my door all the way and get my crutches out and be able to get out of the car. Day before yesterday, some Harley asshole decided it'd be a great idea to park his GIANT bike right next to my fucking drivers side door. Piece of shit parked so close that I couldn't even open my door to the first resting notch.

Seriously, FUCKED UP. I understand making use of those handicap shaded areas, but please leave some fucking room for those of us who actually need it. I can't fucking walk, you can. Park farther away if you have to. You aren't that special just because you ride a motorcycle.




I actually disagree. There are many places where a motorcycle can fit just fine, and not impede the use of the spots for other people.

I know its a little extreme... but I would have "accidently" just knocked the bike over while opening my door. I suppose I have a low tolerance for that type of crap though. Bike, car, mini, golf cart, whatever... just stay away from the handicap spots. Theyre setup a certain way for a very specific purpose... and its not always convenience.

Personally... If Im in a spot I try to park in a way that another bike could double up. I usually prefer to just find a piece of out of the way sidewalk or corner of a building to slip into.

[RAGrote]

Btw, I DO NOT GIVE A FUCK if someone is a vet or not. Just because someone is a vet, does NOT make them more special than ANY other person.

Consider yourself in the minority along with the other ungrateful American (sic). SMALL minority, thank God. Please let us know how that works out for you. GB

[RAGrote]

Don't pretend you know me. I'll have you know I had a medical discharge from the Airforce due to an injury in Saudi. So how 'bout you take that Midol I prescribed and chill out?

thanks for your service and your sacrifice - I TRULY appreciate what you've given.

Perhaps I appreciate the difficulties faced by the handicap a bit more than others. Perhaps?

[Ricky]

Consider yourself in the minority along with the other ungrateful American (sic). SMALL minority, thank God. Please let us know how that works out for you. GB

See, you're just propagating the elitism of military personnel.

What about the people who make the items that keep our soldiers safe? Are they special? Why does the buck stop at the military personnel? Why not recognize those who help those in war? I mean, because without those people, our soldiers wouldn't be alive. It's stupid of you to make it seem like it's just the servicemen of the military that deserve the thanks. I don't see those who get paid NOTHING (i.e. volunteers) getting special deals for helping out overseas. Nobody thanks the people who don't get paid for it. No, of course not, you want to recognize the people who get paid to do a fucking job, by giving them more. Those soldiers had a CHOICE to go into the military, and they should live with it. But they are not any more special than those who help out and volunteer for free, or those who make the items for our soldiers, or those who programmed the software to keep those soldiers safe, or those who supported those who wrote software systems for our military personnel (I used to work for Hughes defense systems several years ago, but you're not thanking me for keeping our soldiers safe).

Get my point? You thank the military, but you don't recognize those who helped the military. What an asshole thing to do. Again, military people are no more special than anyone else. We're all US citizens fighting for our country, but many of us in different ways, and on different fronts. This doesn't mean I don't appreciate what they have done for us. I appreciate it just as much as the Mexican who cleaned my house, or the guy who fixed my motorcycle, or my boss who pays my salary and keeps me employed.

[tinkerinWstuff]

thanks for your service and your sacrifice - I TRULY appreciate what you've given.

Perhaps I appreciate the difficulties faced by the handicap a bit more than others. Perhaps?

Sorry. I missed this. Cheers :)

See, you're just propagating the elitism of military personnel.

What about the people who make the items that keep our soldiers safe? Are they special? Why does the buck stop at the military personnel? Why not recognize those who help those in war? I mean, because without those people, our soldiers wouldn't be alive. It's stupid of you to make it seem like it's just the servicemen of the military that deserve the thanks. I don't see those who get paid NOTHING (i.e. volunteers) getting special deals for helping out overseas. Nobody thanks the people who don't get paid for it. No, of course not, you want to recognize the people who get paid to do a fucking job, by giving them more. Those soldiers had a CHOICE to go into the military, and they should live with it.
http://www.azconservative.org/Semmens188.htm
But they are not any more special than those who help out and volunteer for free, or those who make the items for our soldiers, or those who programmed the software to keep those soldiers safe, or those who supported those who wrote software systems for our military personnel (I used to work for Hughes defense systems several years ago, but you're not thanking me for keeping our soldiers safe).

Get my point? You thank the military, but you don't recognize those who helped the military. What an asshole thing to do. Again, military people are no more special than anyone else. We're all US citizens fighting for our country, but many of us in different ways, and on different fronts. This doesn't mean I don't appreciate what they have done for us. I appreciate it just as much as the Mexican who cleaned my house, or the guy who fixed my motorcycle, or my boss who pays my salary and keeps me employed.

You're a putz.

It's easy to put the gun in the hand of someone and tell them to go kill or be killed and then hide behind them while they take the bullet.

It's a little harder to be the one to step up in the line of fire and be willing to sacrifice your life.

Fuck off looser

[Ricky]

Sorry. I missed this. Cheers :)


http://www.azconservative.org/Semmens188.htm


You're a putz.

It's easy to put the gun in the hand of someone and tell them to go kill or be killed and then hide behind them while they take the bullet.

It's a little harder to be the one to step up in the line of fire and be willing to sacrifice your life.

Fuck off looser

Just like a republican, you turn to name-calling because you feel you can't get your point across. Nice!

I'm not "hiding" behind our military. I'm not willing to step up to the line of fire because I don't agree with what our government makes our soldiers do. That doesn't mean I don't support what our soldiers do. I just don't think they are more special than the dentist that just gave his life in Afghanistan. Did any of you give him discounts or special deals because he gave his time in the line of fire? It's a very thick line you've drawn. Either you're special and military personnel, or you're not special because you're not military personnel. But your opinion is biased since you've been there and got injured, so you think I should treat you special too. I see how it goes.

BTW, I don't give a fuck about your extreme left or right wing biased articles.

[tinkerinWstuff]

I just don't think they are more special than the dentist that just gave his life in Afghanistan. Did any of you give him discounts or special deals because he gave his time in the line of fire? It's a very thick line you've drawn. Either you're special and military personnel, or you're not special because you're not military personnel.
Non sequitur. I'd shake that man and any man/woman's hand in a second who's gone over there in the line of fire and risked their lives to help people. Those people don't have a title for their bravery - so sorry. But hero's all the same.

I used to do engineering on the V-22, the Joint Strike Fighter and others. So, F'n what. That doesn't deserve people standing up in the streets and recognizing me. But anyone I see in a uniform will get it in a second. You worked at Hughes, big deal.

[tinkerinWstuff]

Nobody thanks the people who don't get paid for it. No, of course not, you want to recognize the people who get paid to do a fucking job, by giving them more. Those soldiers had a CHOICE to go into the military, and they should live with it. But they are not any more special than those who help out and volunteer for free, or those who make the items for our soldiers, or those who programmed the software to keep those soldiers safe, or those who supported those who wrote software systems for our military personnel (I used to work for Hughes defense systems several years ago, but you're not thanking me for keeping our soldiers safe).

http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/war.casualties/index.html

'nuf said

[duelist13]

:think:
I'm not quite sure that I understand the points being made by Tinkerin and Ricky, so let me know if this isn't the takeaway lesson on bike etiquette---

Parking like a dick, idolizing Jane Fonda, taking Midol, and Saudi Arabian law
Resulting in:

1. Apehangers chopped short to make room for door-mounted automated lifts
2. Whipped with own leather tassels and fringe slathered in KY
3. Public humiliation with paraplegic sportbikers riding over both of your big toes, as Nancy Pelosi and Sarah Palin restrain you by your curly hairs.

[Bueller]

The main point is Who the fuck cares!

God damned zombie thread

[Apache62]

As a retired combat vet, I think both of you have a few valid inputs. however, working in the back, and fighting in the front, are two seperate things. any real veteran will tell you that EVERYONES JOB IS EQUALLY IMPORTANT...now, I was a GRUNT, but gave massive respect, to the most POGISH of POG'S!!! hell, I'm married to a POG...it doesn't matter how you served, as long as you did. as for special treatment, actual personel (Active, Reserve, or Guard) will always get put on a pedestal, due to the fact that they actually put that uniform on, and swore that oath! that doesn't discredit civilian personel, or contractors at all, but......THEY ARE STILL CIVILIANS!!!

NOW BACK TO THE PARKING THREAD, IM TRYING TO ACTUALLY GET SOME INSIGHT ON THE SUBJECT, SO TAKE YOUR CIVILIAN/MILITARY DEBATE TO ANOTHER THREAD!!!

[RAGrote]

Btw, I DO NOT GIVE A FUCK if someone is a vet or not. Just because someone is a vet, does NOT make them more special than ANY other person.

Just like a republican, you turn to name-calling....
You mean like YOU just did?

Jeezus... I used to be the old, bitter, jaded, self absorbed prick on this site.

Thanks for taking over.
Please seek professional help. I'm sure we'll be seeing you on a "Cops" episode some day soon if you do not.

Again. I find myself agreeing with Bueller. Has anybody checked the temp in HELL? :horse:

Seriously SENIOR MEMBER (OLD DICK) get some help.

c-ya all in another 6 months.

[tinkerinWstuff]

"Disgruntled former Hughes employee rents Cessna and tries to fly it into a building on Fort Carson. Report at 10pm"

ok, I'm done.

[Xtremjeepn]

See, you're just propagating the elitism of military personnel.

What about the people who make the items that keep our soldiers safe? Are they special? Why does the buck stop at the military personnel? Used to work for Hughes defense systems several years ago, but you're not thanking me for keeping our soldiers safe).

.

There is a HUGE difference between taking a job for a company that just happens to make things for the military and being IN the military!

Many of the people that work or own companies that supply goods and services to the military are just like any other working stiff. They go to work because it pays the bills and may be close to their home. Most of them probably took whatever job they could get working for whatever company hired them first.

That is a HUGE difference from someone that ACTIVELY made a choice to join the military where they could DIE in that job. Especially if they made that choice to protect those they care about.

[MetaLord 9]

People who put their lives in harms way so that others may live & prosper deserve respect, regardless of whom they work for. Working for the ammunition factory, while dangerous is not the same thing as firing the bullets made there at an invading enemy or suicidal terrorist

[Ricky]

You mean like YOU just did?

Calling someone a republican is name calling, eh? That's laughable, though I'll admit I was stereotyping. But I was right. It was a factual statement. In my experience, it's what the extreme republicans do when they can't make someone else see it their way. It's what grade school kids do.

[MetaLord 9]

Closed minded extremists of any political persuasion do that, it's not specific to one side or the other.

[Ricky]

You guys say that vets, or anyone that has worn the uniform, deserve special recognition. But just because they are a vet or that they've worn the uniform, doesn't, AT ALL, mean that they fired a gun at someone, or protected someone, or saved lives, or put their life in harm's way. You guys generalize saying that vets deserve respect for putting their lives at risk, when many of them never have, and never will. Saying that vets are special, when really the underlying fact is that you are saying that those who put their lives at risk, are the ones that deserve recognition, all while never recognizing those who are not part of the government effort and have put themselves on the front lines without even being asked.

Those who have put their lives in danger in these most recent pointless wars, deserve thanks on an individual level. But since I don't agree with the war we're fighting, how can I support a troop who supports what our government is doing? IMO, those who deserve the most thanks (except those who have lost their lives) are those who have left military positions because they don't agree with the wars we're fighting. Those people deserve more respect than those who just fight a war because they're told to. Sheep do what other sheep do.

I've spent many many many years volunteering down in Guatemala, helping those ravaged by the 36 year civil war that the United States started. I see what our "veterans" have done to that land. Should I be thanking the vets that toured in Guatemala and started a civil war and then took off (just like Iraq) when things were at their worst? They destroyed that country because the US meddled in their affairs. If another country isn't a democracy, and we find a reason to go after them, we do. Should I be thanking Colonel Arana Osorio for killing thousands of peasants just to take out just a couple hundred guerrillas, and put him up on a pedestal as a hero because he put himself "in the line of fire"? He was educated by the US government, to do what he did. BRAVO! Sounds like Vietnam, and Afghanistan, and Iraq, and others. Seeing what I've seen down there (well over a year of my life since 1992), how in the hell could I possibly support what our government, or those who sheepishly do what the government tells them, are doing in any other country where we're fighting a war?

So, now why should I just blindly be thanking all vets for putting their lives on the line? I don't see the value in their efforts. I just see a bunch of dead and injured people and families. Those of you who have toured in Iraq or Afghanistan, have you received a return on your efforts? Something that says that you are happy to have served and that you made a difference to the lives of the american people? (Not the lives of the Iraqi or Afghani people) I'd truly like to know how you think you made a difference in OUR lives.

/rant

[Apache62]

I can't say that I agree with what you're saying whole heartedly, but I do understand your point though, cuz I've heard it before several times during protests.

as for being compensated for my 5 combat tours, I'm very well taken care of by the VA. I recieve financial compensation and free health care for life. I'm retired at 27, with 3 Purpe Hearts, and I live very comfortable thanks to the government.

yes, I had to go through hell and kill Satan, not to mention say goodbye to alot of comrades. however, I would do it all over again, minus going through losing my comrades.

I do show respect to Non-Combat Arms soldiers, as well as Contractors and Civilian Personel, for the jobs that they do IN THEATER. everyone doing their individual jobs, COMBINED, wins the battle...

[vmax2003]

You guys say that vets, or anyone that has worn the uniform, deserve special recognition. But just because they are a vet or that they've worn the uniform, doesn't, AT ALL, mean that they fired a gun at someone, or protected someone, or saved lives, or put their life in harm's way. You guys generalize saying that vets deserve respect for putting their lives at risk, when many of them never have, and never will. Saying that vets are special, when really the underlying fact is that you are saying that those who put their lives at risk, are the ones that deserve recognition, all while never recognizing those who are not part of the government effort and have put themselves on the front lines without even being asked.

Those who have put their lives in danger in these most recent pointless wars, deserve thanks on an individual level. But since I don't agree with the war we're fighting, how can I support a troop who supports what our government is doing? IMO, those who deserve the most thanks (except those who have lost their lives) are those who have left military positions because they don't agree with the wars we're fighting. Those people deserve more respect than those who just fight a war because they're told to. Sheep do what other sheep do.

I've spent many many many years volunteering down in Guatemala, helping those ravaged by the 36 year civil war that the United States started. I see what our "veterans" have done to that land. Should I be thanking the vets that toured in Guatemala and started a civil war and then took off (just like Iraq) when things were at their worst? They destroyed that country because the US meddled in their affairs. If another country isn't a democracy, and we find a reason to go after them, we do. Should I be thanking Colonel Arana Osorio for killing thousands of peasants just to take out just a couple hundred guerrillas, and put him up on a pedestal as a hero because he put himself "in the line of fire"? He was educated by the US government, to do what he did. BRAVO! Sounds like Vietnam, and Afghanistan, and Iraq, and others. Seeing what I've seen down there (well over a year of my life since 1992), how in the hell could I possibly support what our government, or those who sheepishly do what the government tells them, are doing in any other country where we're fighting a war?

So, now why should I just blindly be thanking all vets for putting their lives on the line? I don't see the value in their efforts. I just see a bunch of dead and injured people and families. Those of you who have toured in Iraq or Afghanistan, have you received a return on your efforts? Something that says that you are happy to have served and that you made a difference to the lives of the american people? (Not the lives of the Iraqi or Afghani people) I'd truly like to know how you think you made a difference in OUR lives.

/rant
You are entitled to your view of our and my military. I dont always agree with it but I still serve and proud that I do. Its people like you that take our freedoms for granted and think that those freedoms were just handed to them at birth with no regards to how we got them in the first place. I have been to iraq and Afgan and yes some of the people there do not want us there but there are those that do and I still feel we are doing something there. We had navy Seabees there building schools and rebuilding homes for them. We are not over there to make YOUR life a better one. You are already have that. next time you post please start a new one instead of jacking a parking thread....asshat...end:shocked::crazy:

[vmax2003]

Ralph, I think this thread needs to be shut down. It has veered WAY off track....

[Apache62]

it was a good thread until fucknuts starting griping on vets...

[vmax2003]

it was a good thread until fucknuts starting griping on vets...

Well I said my peace to the asshat...:shock:

[Apache62]

me too...there are some interesting responses on parking though

[MetaLord 9]

Pick your government figures wisely and direct your dissatisfaction at them. Military presonnel are the tools of government (not to say that the military is filled with a bunch of tools) and they do as ordered. It's like disrespecting police officer for legally having to enforce laws with which they disagree.

[tinkerinWstuff]

You guys say that vets, or anyone that has worn the uniform, deserve special recognition. But just because they are a vet or that they've worn the uniform, doesn't, AT ALL, mean that they fired a gun at someone, or protected someone, or saved lives, or put their life in harm's way.

Fort Hood or even Khobar Towers weren't exactly the front lines. Although everyone in uniform may not hold a gun or taken fire, they ALL have taken the oath and know that they could be called any time, sent anywhere, or even targeted just because they wear that uniform.

asshat

and to the rest of your rant - double asshat

You can sit in your hole and accept the freedom handed to you by those who were, are, and will fight for it - here, there, and anywhere - for us and them.

[tinkerinWstuff]

Pick your government figures wisely and direct your dissatisfaction at them. Military presonnel are the tools of government (not to say that the military is filled with a bunch of tools) and they do as ordered. It's like disrespecting police officer for legally having to enforce laws with which they disagree.

AMEN to that. I wonder how many ranters took the time to mail in their ballot last week or plan on voting today.....

[Aphrodite]

Kinda off the OP's subject but I keep thinking this throughout the above conversation.


http://www.southparkstudios.com/episodes/103621

[MetaLord 9]

I don't even have to click the link & I hear the song "I'm a little bit country..."

[Aphrodite]

I can't help but to laugh, because all of this started from parking next to a vehicle in a handicap parking spot.

BTW I am a Vet. and I don't really desire any recognition for anything. I was under orders to go where I was told to go. When they (uncle sam) decided they were done with me, they R.I.F.ed me and all I can say I stayed and wasn't afraid to do what I was told and I personally feel it is something that should be done by all young folk but at the same time I understand that if I disagree with the current administration I would encourage my children not to join thus changing the way they think about the military. IMO did you vote then bitch, if not then STFU. We are all Americans and want to pay out taxes, right. (OK not really but we do it anyway) But anyway, this has gotten way way way off subject of the OP.