Last summer, the City of Columbus rolled out a new scooter parking initiative that gave two-wheel vehicle operators (scooter riders and motorcyclists alike) several designated parking locations in and around Downtown. Currently there are 23 locations that can hold a total of 267 vehicles and the city is planning to add more in 2009.
Also, as announced last year, a payment system is soon going to be in effect. An annual parking permit sticker will cost $50 per vehicle and well help to offset the cost of the parking signage and maintenance. Permits can be purchased starting March 16th at the City’s Parking Violations Bureau located at 400 W. Whittier Street.
Press Release:
City Expanding Parking for Motor Scooters, Motorcycles, Mopeds
Parking Permit System to be ImplementedWith spring just around the corner, the City of Columbus is revving up its efforts to provide more on-street parking for motor scooters, motorcycles and mopeds.
Last year, the City opened parking at 23 locations – Downtown, Brewery District, Short North – that can accommodate 267 two-wheeled motorized vehicles. Most of the spaces and corrals are in previously unused right of way.
“Downtown Columbus is becoming more urban every day, and the addition of parking for motor scooters, motorcycles and mopeds is one more way we are investing to embrace alternative forms of transportation,” Public Service Director Mark Kelsey said.
In the coming months, City teams will be looking for additional unused spaces that could be transformed – through signage and striping – into parking corrals.
The City did not charge last year for scooter parking at non-metered locations, but that is about to change. The City will require an annual permit to park at these special locations. The cost of an annual permit is $50 per vehicle.
“The annual permit fee will offset our costs for signage, pavement markings and maintenance,” said Randy Bowman, administrator of the new Division of Mobility Options.
Beginning March 16, permits can be purchased at the City’s Parking Violations Bureau, 400 W. Whittier Street. Bureau offices are open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. For a map of existing parking corrals, please go to the City of Columbus website – www.Columbus.gov – and click on Department of Public Service.