ABU DHABI // Motorcycle riders have welcomed the addition of 142 free parking bays at 12 Mawaqif sectors in the city, but said the number was inadequate.
The parking spaces are wide enough to accommodate three motorcycles, the Department of Transport (DoT) said.
“It’s a good idea given the scratches and dents on our motorbikes at car parks,” said Yasser Al Hweety, who is the director of the Abu Dhabi chapter of Harley-Davidson Owner’s Group or HOG Abu Dhabi.
“Those living in villas do not have to worry about the lack of parking spots, but those in apartment buildings often find it hard to find a safe place for their bikes.”
He and his friend were fortunate to have found secure parking for their bikes outside his building.
“They’re not on one of the paid-parking spaces for cars, and I can’t imagine anyone stealing my bike unless he lifts it off the ground and loads it into a van,” said Mr Al Hweety, who has lived in the UAE for 24 years.
But Mawaqif, he said, should consider increasing the number of places to accommodate the growing number of Abu Dhabi-registered motorbikes, and to prevent motorists knocking over the bikes.
“I also hope they’ll construct structures to protect the bikes against the heat, dust and rain,” Mr Al Hweety said.
Motorcycles are increasing in popularity. HOG Abu Dhabi now boasts of 350 members, while the number of food delivery men, motorcycle messengers and couriers on the roads has likewise increased.
Near the KFC food outlet on Airport Road there are no designated spaces for motorcycles.
Mohammed Gul, 35, one of the 12 delivery men at the branch, said drivers park behind the restaurant. When delivering parcels, they are forced to park between cars or on footpaths.
“It would help if the authorities increased the number of parking spaces for motorcycles,” he said. “But we do not face problems at our accommodation since there are about 40 free parking spots near the Golden Cup Cafe behind the Etisalat building.”
His colleague, Wael Mohammed, 43, a resident for nearly two decades, agreed.
“We need more parking because we get scratches on our bikes,” he said. “I often park between cars and it’s very dangerous especially when the driver is new and inexperienced.”
But Mohammed Abdulaziz, 38, one of six delivery men at Gad Restaurant in Khalidiya, said he had no problems finding parking space.
There are six free parking spots in front of the restaurant, behind the Choithrams supermarket, near KM Trading.
The Mawaqif sign says “motorcycle parking only”, and each place is clearly marked with a turquoise-coloured motorbike symbol.
The spaces are free and motorcyclists will only be fined if their bikes are parked in a way that blocks the flow of traffic or are left for three consecutive days.
After giving the owner notice, authorities will tow a motorcycle on the fourth day.
The move to build motorcycle parking spaces in the city is part of a plan to improve safety and traffic flow, the Department of Transport said last month. Mawaqif’s customer service department said the spaces were exclusively for motorcycles and car owners using those spots would face a Dh500 fine and have their vehicle towed.
rruiz@thenational.ae
