Motorcycle Parking in Vancouver- Do’s & Don’ts

Do’s

• In Vancouver: Motorcycles can park for free where indicated by city signage;
• Motorcycles parked in designated metered spots pay a discounted meter rate;
• Motorcycles parked in non-designated metered spots pay 50% using PaybyPhone (where available);
• Motorcycles can share metered spots or parking stalls – as many as can fit within the lines. Payment by coin at the meter covers all motorcycles parked therein;
• PaybyPhone covers one bike only;
• Regulations vary from place to place; Burnaby permits only 3 motorcycles to share a spot.

Don’ts

• Unless otherwise signed, Vancouver By-Law (No. 2849) makes it illegal to stop or park:
  • on a crosswalk AND
  • within 6 metres of either side of a crosswalk;
  • on a sidewalk or sidewalk crossing;
  • on a boulevard, traffic island or traffic circle;

Parking at the Airport

Motorcycles can enter, exit, and park for free at YVR. Look for these signs (pictured) as well as the designated motorcycle parking area.

Suggestions:

• Bikes don’t have Reverse lights;
  • using your turn signals while backing up will inform traffic behind you of your intention to park;
  • Shutting off your Engine Run/Stop Switch while reversing will prevent your bike from escaping if your foot slips or you lose the clutch;
  • You can leave your key on so you can continue using your signals;
• Bikes don’t have E-Brakes/Parking Brakes;
  • Parking in 1st gear will prevent your bike from rolling if you are parked on a hill, or even if your bike gets jostled while parked on flat ground;
• You can shift gears while the bike is off;
  • It is Not Necessary:
    • To mount the bike in order to change gears if the engine is off;
    • To use the clutch to shift gears if the engine is off;
    • To turn the key on to shift gears;
  • It may be necessary to roll the bike while shifting in order to release pressure on the shifter while the bike is stationary;
• Turning your wheel left is generally a more stable stance when parked;
• Make certain your side stand is resting on something solid — hot asphalt on a warm day may not be sturdy enough to support your bike;
• A motorcycle seat is generally not a great place to store your helmet – if it falls, it may end up needing to be replaced;

Sources

• www.vancouver.ca/streets-transportation/motorcycles.aspx
• www.vancouver.ca/streets-transportation/motorcycles-and-scooters.aspx
• www.burnaby.ca/City-Services/Roads—Traffic/Parking.html
• www.burnaby.ca/City-Services/Bylaws–Violations—Enforcement/Parking-Tickets.html
• www.bcsportbikes.com/forum/showthread.php/176930-News-of-the-day-Free-motorcycle-parking-at-YVR#/topics/176930

Note: All rules and laws are subject to change without notice. ProRIDE Motorcycle Training is not responsible for any fines, fees, tickets, or tolls arising from the use of the information on this page or any other page on the ProRIDE website.