Motorcycle Road Rules Question

[baco99]

I have always wondered this, and I haven't found it in any manuals:

1) Are motorcycles legally allowed to use the HOV lane when the lane specifies 2+ persons?

2) Are motorcycles allowed to park *anywhere*?  Around Boston I see them parked in between spaces.  Is this legal?  Is there some "Unofficial Guide to Riding in Boston" that I need to read?

I ask because I'll probably be using the bike to commute this Summer when my carpool buddy is home with the new baby.  I've seen bikes in the HOV lane, but didn't know if this was legal or if they are taking a chance at a $250 ticket.  (And, yes, they ticket here in Boston).  And since there's no Bike Parking in the city, what do I do with it?  Feed the meter?

Any help would be great!!!!

[l3uddha]

hey Baco, I live just 15 min north ya bastid!

we'll have to get together for a ride one of these days.

to answer your questions:

YES motorcycles are allowed in the HOV lanes. 2+ only applies to automobiles. Motorcycles are in the clear.

As for street parking, that's really your call & a risk. I've seen bikes parked on the sidewalk & in bicycle racks, but that's not entirely legal. I guess it depends on where you are. I see bikes parked on the sidewalk at Northeastern sometimes.  Sometimes they ticket, sometimes they dont.

If you're gonna "whatever" park, make sure it's no longer than a few hours. Between spaces you've got a big risk of getting knocked over. You can be creative with where you park in the city, but theres always the risk. Sometimes they'll ticket, sometimes they wont. I want to say UUUSSSUALLY they dont ticket, but dont take my word on that.

[baco99]

i'm closer than you think!  i'm in Wakefield.
i summon you to help me with my valve job this Sat AM!

good to know about the HOV lane.  saves a TON of time. 

basically, i see bikes parked at the ends of blocks, in between the crosswalk and the last parking spot.  So, there's no meter.  Usually 3 bikes can squeeze in this area.  Like you said, sometimes they ticket and sometimes they don't.  How do you know??? 

i heard that parking on the sidewalk or a bike rack is illegal for anything over 50cc. and you can only park on a sidewalk if it's on private property, not the public easement.  (some buildings' property lines extend into the sidewalk area.)  that's too tricky here for me in the Back Bay, so I'll stick to the curb.

worst case scenario is that i keep my parking space near work and pay monthly.

[baco99]

found this article too. 

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2005/08/18/solo_on_motorcycle_hov_is_ok/

[l3uddha]

How do you know??? 

well... you dont. you're risking getting a ticket. I'd be hesitant to park between cars that are in metered spots. I think you'd have much better luck on the side-street parking where it is usually free (or decal required).

The only certainty is if you're actually feeding the meter all day, you keep your rented space at work, or you talk to some landowner in Boston & get permission to park your bike somewhere on their property that is well outta the way of everything.

keep in mind though that some spots are a lot less risky than others.

[nightrider]

I got a $50 ticket for parking on sidewalk ... it was totally out of the way, and on what seemed like private property (parking lot of a grocery store)

On the other hand there's a sidewalk-avenue at my apt that I park on frequently, but never overnight, I asked the meter maid and she said she thought it was private property. = win. Talk to the meter maids when you see, and ask them about it.

It might depend on city and state or even neighborhood, but I always pay for metered parking, but I do 'wedge' if there's no spots available.

[ledfingers]

i know here in san rafael i'm allowed to share a spot, but i'm also responsible for the meter, and it's a 2 hour maximum. (thats two hours on one block, not two hours in one spot) i just use the parking garage. i asked the attendant if i had to pay and he said "well, technically yes, but i have no way of telling if you're going around the pole at the back exit, so it's up to you." , So on the rare occasion i have to work during the day, i dodge around the pole. if i work at night, i get out late enough i don't have to pay anyways.

ask the meter maids and parking attendants. they'll tell you everything you need to know.

[baco99]

ask the meter maids and parking attendants. they'll tell you everything you need to know.

LOL!  you've never been to Boston, have you.  i'm curious to see if i'll be greeted with a courteous "f--- you" or if i'll actually get useful information.

i'll let you know what i find out.

[l3uddha]

ask the meter maids and parking attendants. they'll tell you everything you need to know.

LOL!  you've never been to Boston, have you.  i'm curious to see if i'll be greeted with a courteous "f--- you" or if i'll actually get useful information.

i'll let you know what i find out.

lol 

do they even speak english? a scruffy looking bunch they are...

[baco99]

actually, i did meet this one guy who is legitimately fluent in about 12 languages.  it was pretty amazing.  i asked him what he was doing as a meter maid and he said he was bored with "normal" jobs. 

they are a unique bunch.