Motorcycle Parking In Seattle
 The
ins & outs of trying to park in a city less than welcoming toward motorcyclists
It's not as if the Mayor is standing there with open arms
when you pull your scooter, motorcycle or sidecar into Seattle. Quite the
opposite in fact. Parking a motorcycle in downtown Seattle is four times as
hard as a car if you follow the rules. But there are plenty of tricks to
getting a space if you’re savvy and understand the laws, the gray areas and
where the low-cost places are.
“A good parking lot in downtown Seattle is I-5 –
especially between the hours of 6-9am and 3-7pm.” At least that’s what Sound
RIDER! reader Jim Collman thinks. Come to think of it - it’s one of the last
free zones left. But seriously…
With only 110 dedicated motorcycle metered parking spaces
in the entire city – out of 8,890 for cars – it’s not easy to find space, or
know if where you want to park is legal. Does this ratio tick you off?
PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO READ THE COMPANION STORY to find out how you can be part
of the solution on this issue.
 Street
Parking
Curb-Outs - Curb-outs are those angular slices of
space before and after lined meter spaces (see right). The areas are essentially
maneuvering areas for vehicles to get in and out of the marked parking area. By
the book, it is not legal to park in them, but you cannot be written a citation
for doing so unless the area is painted red. Park in one of these and you chance
a driver moving your bike so they can enter or leave the space next to you.
PLEASE NOTE - Since this article was
published in June of 2004, Seattle has written new legislation
to eliminate the ability to park in curb-outs, now known as curb
bulbs. Seems that Mayor Nichols has little interest in
encouraging two wheel vehicle usage in Seattle.
 Other
Maneuvering Areas – Pay close attention on this one. A square or
rectangular maneuvering area between two spaces (at left) is not a legal place
to park in and the fine was $38 as of this writing. It’s also likely you’re
making it hard for the motorist in front of, or behind you, to get in and out of
their spot. You’re taking your chances parking here both with regard to the
safety of your bike as well as economically. Not recommended. Several
people have beaten this ticket in the past by contesting it with the magistrate
based on 'non-availability of the law.'
Sidewalk Parking – Sidewalk parking is illegal and
it’s also illegal for you to operate your motorcycle on a sidewalk. Do so at
your own risk.
Alley Parking – Also illegal, Seattle PD has been
cracking down on alley parking as of late.
 Pike
Market – There are two spaces (at right) on the north end of Pike Market
that are free. During busy hours don't expect them to be open.
Notice the long shadow - this photo was shot at 7 a.m.
Alaskan Viaduct Cluster F%^k - We call this the
Cluster F&*k. It’s an old left-hand turn lane at Yesler and Alaskan that was
created when the city decided to terminate the lane by placing a 5 inch high
asphalt barricade around the area. Instant motorcycle parking. It’s used daily
by the commuter riders, holds about 10 bikes and is full by 9 a.m. on weekdays.
You’ll also find a few free spots across the street in the metered lot. The
spots I’m referring to exist because viaduct supports obstruct a car's ability to
park there.
Other Free Parking
Medical Lots – Harborview, Swedish, the Nordstrom
Medical Building and other medical centers in the city commonly have several
motorcycle spaces available that are free. Consider using one the next time you
have to ride into town for your next colonoscopy, five-way bypass or liver
transplant.
 Safeco
Field – Heading out for a Mariners game? Lots of free motorcycle parking
just across the street from Home Plate in the pay lot at the southwest corner of
1st and S Atlantic. Simply pull in from the west side alley and slip your bike
up into the angled nocks (see photo) in front of the pay stalls.
That’s it on the free parking downtown folks. On to the
pay parking alternatives.
Pay Parking
Metered Parking - This is getting trickier as the
city implements pay stations You cannot double or triple park a bike into a pay
station slot without each motorcycle sporting a ticket on the headlamp (the most
absurd idea we’ve heard of yet).
Take a moment to file your
complaint.
Structure Parking – There are several places to
park in parking structures that have reasonable day rates. The rates we list are
subject to change. If you want to park in a structure lot, ask first for rates
and locations to park in.
- Washington Trade & Convention Center, Pine @ 9th - $2
- Westin Hotel, 6th Ave @ Westlake – $2
- Sheraton Hotel, Union @ 6th Ave - $2
- Pacific Place, 6th @ Pike $5
- Pacific Building, Columbia between 3rd & 4th - $5
- Newmark Building, 2nd & Union $5
- Garage @ Minor & James $5
PLEASE NOTE: Locations and rates
change all the time. Since this article was written in the
summer of 2004 don't expect this list to be current. We
will update the information in the summer of 2006.
If you have a hot parking tip,
email it to us.
PT/Summer 04
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