The Issue

State passes law which prohibits scooter parking on Boston sidewalks

On August 1, a new state law will kick in that could require license plates for hundreds, if not thousands, of scooter owners whose bikes are smaller and sleeker than motorcycles, yet slightly faster than old-fashioned mopeds.

With mandatory license plates, such scooters will be kicked off Boston sidewalks, because city rules require any plated vehicle to be parked in the street. And that’s likely to spell parking nightmares for scores of Boston-area scooter owners, who will now have to battle with cars and trucks for precious on-street spaces and metered spots. (Boston Globe)

Why It's Bad!

Everyone loses

• Scooters are environmentally friendly and should be encouraged in urban areas. This law will limit the appeal of scooters as a commuter option and put more cars on the streets and crowd our public transportation system even further
• Scooters will be forced to take up parking spots used for cars, making an already dire parking situation worse
• Scooters parked on the street can't be secured and are easily stolen

Alternative Solutions

Ways to compromise

• Require all scooters to be registered and insured - this generates revenue for the state, holds scooter drivers accountable and ensures insurance coverage for all motorists.
• Allow all scooters of a certain size and footprint to be parked on the sidewalk - this reduces congestion and encourages more people to switch to environmentally friendly modes of transportation

What You Can Do

Get involved and help us

Sign this online petition, follow us on twitter, and participate in upcoming community events. We will present this petition to the City of Boston and are working with local media outlets to give this topic visibility. Finally, let your friends know and tell other Scooterists about the impending change in legislation. Send them to www.letusparkonthesidewalk.com and post on Twitter (#letusparkonthesidewalk).