Representatives of UNC’s scooter community met with Chancellor Holden Thorp today (7/22/09) at the Board of Trustees meeting, and learned that the Board had voted for some new regulations.
At first glance the modified policy looks like an improvement: $24 for registration instead of $174 – $371 (until next year…) , and a promise of having secure parking. A closer look at what is being proposed, however, shows that the policy is still insufficient and problematic.
A quick look at UNC’s motorcycle parking map shows that there are few places where motorcycles are able to park currently, and these already overcrowded lots are somehow going to be decked out with secure racks and accommodate hundreds of more scooters.
Also, the lower registration costs are just a ruse for them to pretend they have been listening to the over 375 Students, Faculty, Staff and Citizens who signed the petition to stop these ill-advised rules from being enacted in the first place. Scooter commuters will have to pay hundreds of dollars to register their space-saving, eco-friendly mode of transportation in the coming years. (see the BOT’s .ppt from 7/22/09) This regulation contradicts NC state law, that clearly distinguishes between motorcycles and scooters, and the policies of other nearby Universities. At Duke University scooters can register for free and they are *required* to park at bike racks. At NC State, scooters are free to park as they please, and registration costs are as low as $5. Why would UNC, which has been recognized as a leader in eco-friendly, progressive transporation, choose to punish a group that so clearly benefits the community at large?
Despite scores of letters and emails, despite over a hundred members of Facebook standing up against this, despite hundreds of signers to the online petition, the Board of Trustees still refused to communicate with the people of UNC, closed the public out of meetings where the issue was being discussed, and have not given scooter riders a voice in any of the decision-making process.
Verdict: The Board of Trustees still has a long way to go to prove that they value a sustainable transportation plan for campus, that they understand the space constraints facing UNC students, faculty and staff. The push to work for more sensible regulations is still on.
We can do better.
We propose:
-That scooter riders have a voice in the regulations that are being written about them, both now and in the future.
-That the University realize that the spaces given in the current motorcycle parking are insufficient, and that alternative choices (such as allowing scooters to park at bike racks, or at least opening up the range of places where they can park) are necessary.
Scooter commuters, stand firm!
Email the Board Members and let them know how you feel!
Thanks for forwarding the information.
Woefully inadequate is right! That’s the regular motorcycle map without any new scooter spaces added.
Here is are the minutes regarding the amended policy. See also:
http://blogs.newsobserver.com/campusnotes/a-change-to-the-unc-ch-scooter-policy
And guess what: this is what Public Safety had to say about motorcycle and scooter parking in September 2008. They were aware that motorcycle parking was overcrowded even without scooters and still added the scooters without adding more motorcycle spots (!):
Excerpt from http://www.dps.unc.edu/act/Minutes%20and%20Agendae/Minutes.September08.pdf:
“Potential 08/09 Agenda Items: -Scooter/cart operations/Motorcycle Parking ? Chief McCracken There is no ordinance that directly addresses either vehicle. Currently, scooters cannot be operated on sidewalks but the rider can dismount and push the scooter to a bicycle rack and secure it. Increased use of motorcycles has presented another parking problem, because there are currently not enough spaces. Cheryl stated a subcommittee will be formed to start meeting in the next few weeks to develop dialog and policy initiatives.”
Huh??????? How did we end up with this new policy based on this finding?
– Barbara Ambros
Assistant Professor Department of Religious Studies
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
This is really disappointing, especially since Chancellor Thorp was so responsive and helpful in talking to us. It’s definitely clear that some of our concerns were heard. I’m especially happy that they agreed to add some sort of rack so that we can secure our scooters. I really hope that the board will be open and receptive to more dialogue, since this map makes it clear that this policy will hurt everybody involved. So sad! Let’s fix this!
Has anyone looked at the power point presentation? This is absurd ! A $30 fine if you’re not parked in a MC lot which DPS already acknowledges as overcrowded. Where do they propose we park until they figure out which areas are appropriate? Not to mention the sneaky way the the BOT/South Building is trying to portray the $24.00 parking fee as if they actually listen to us. I’ve been here long enough to know that the University will politely listen, but will still do what it damn well pleases.
I for one will keep up the letter writing and email campaigns, but I don’t trust the DPS and will begin to park my scooter off campus.
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