Western South Dakota News

DON’T PARK THERE!

City Committee Reminds Motorcyclists

Not to Park in Striped Disability Access Parking Spaces

RAPID CITY, SD—With the annual motorcycle rally just a few days from its official start, the Rapid City Disability Awareness and Accessibility Committee is reminding motorcyclists and all drivers to refrain from parking in white or yellow-striped areas next to accessible parking spaces reserved for people with disabilities.

            The white or yellow-striped areas adjacent to the accessible parking spaces provides important access for drivers and passengers in vans with wheelchair ramps and also for people in manual wheelchairs, using walkers and crutches.  Van wheelchair ramps extend out of the side of the van, allowing a person in a wheelchair the space needed to exit and enter the van.

            “The striped areas are not designated for motorcycle parking,” said Steve Massopust, chairman of the City’s Disability Awareness and Accessibility Committee.  “Although the areas may look like a convenient option for parking a motorcycle, these areas are designed specifically for use by people needing accessibility options.”

            The Committee has taken to social media this week to educate the public about the proper use of the striped parking areas.  Drivers parking cars and motorcycles in white striped areas adjacent to public accessible spaces are subject to a $100 citation. Drivers are also reminded that parking downtown in areas marked with yellow curbs and striping are subject to a $25 citation.  Many private businesses use yellow striping in their lots to designate accessible parking spaces for people with disabilities.

            “We are putting out a friendly reminder to our visitors – and residents – on motorcycles and in cars to not park in these striped areas,” Massopust said. “In addition to van ramps, these striped areas also provide needed space for people to maneuver in manual wheelchairs, to get a walker out of a car, or to use crutches.  The striped accessibility parking areas serve a very important purpose.”

            For more information about disability issues and the work of the City’s Disability Awareness and Accessibility Committee, visit the committee’s website at www.rcgov.org or at the committee’s facebook page Rapid City Disability Awareness & Accessibility Committee .

Original source can be found here