DENVER MOTORCYCLE PARKING
Alex Johnson
DESIGN PROBLEM How can behavioral design and the concepts of nudge be implemented to improve and enhance motorcycle parking specifically within downtown Denver.
OBSERVATION & DATA
AREA OF RESEARCH I focused my area of research between 14th and 21st street within downtown Denver, Market and Larimer Street primarily. I chose this location because of its popularity and tendency to become a parking lot after hours filled with drivers who wish to enjoy Denver’s’ nightlife.
OBSERVATION Market and 17th street behind the first parking meter is about 10 feet of unused space that could easily accommodate several spots for a motorcycle to park in.
OBSERVATION One of the many Car 2 Go spots that have started popping up within Denver streets. If a Car 2 Go can get their own spot then why not Motorcyclists.
OBSERVATION Several no parking signs spread through out my observed area blocked off about 30 feet of street that could be used as motorcycle parking for residents of Colorado. This particular sign was posted on 18th and Larimer.
OBSERVATION I was not able to get an exact measurement but I want to say about 21ft of street space that sat unused on both sides of the street at 18th and Market.
OBSERVATION Then again at 19th and Market just before the light was roughly 80 feet of road that was unused except for taxi cabs. Thats about 4 car spots or 24 motorcycle spots.
THOUGHTS For the most part the space within my area in which I would like to test out my design to add motorcycle parking within the Denver metro was used effectively. However there are still to many places in which I feel are not being used to their full potential, resulting in increased traffic, stress, and revenue loss for the city.
SOLUTIONS
WHY MOTO? There are currently 12,347 registered motorcyclists just within Denver not including surrounding counties. Put into perspective, that’s 31.52% of vehicles just in Denver County. It would only make since then that 30% of the parking in Denver should be allocated for motorcycles. As of now motorcyclists have no designated area in which they can park within the streets of downtown Denver. Replacing just one metered car spot with a Motorcycle only parking area will actually allow for more vehicle parking within the city, the creation of these safe spots will help reduce in the amount of motorcyclists being forced to take up a regular sized metered space without the need for all of it. Since four motorcycles are able to fit into an existing car space, even at a reduced parking rate motorcycle spaces yield 2 times the profit of a normal parking space.
TARGET BEHAVIOR Parking in Denver during peak hours can quickly turn into a bad experience as the roads become parking lots packed with people trying to find that coveted parking space so that they can go and enjoy the Denver nightlife. The addition of motorcycle parking will greatly help reduce the time it currently takes motorists to find parking downtown. Designated motorcycle parking will encourage current riders and those who wish to ride downtown to actually use their bikes, this simple incentive will greatly reduce the number of car spots being used. Currently it can take up to thirty minutes during peak hours to find a parking spot and then walk to your destination because more often than a close spot is not available. Why should motorcyclists who do not require a full space be forced to behave within the same parking behavior as cars? I wish to see that the time it takes for motorcyclists to get to their destination downtown be reduced by 50%.
HOW IT WORKS Each space would be strategically placed at the beginning of each light. This allows riders to easily scan and identify if there are spots available from a distance giving them ample time to position themselves within the proper lane. Placement of the spaces are key to creating spaces that provide a safe environment for the riders due to the unique way in which motorcyclists have to park their bikes when on an incline. For example on Market the spaces would all be on the North side of the street allowing the motorcyclist to back safely into the spot without the need to turn the bike around. Visual cues such as painted lines dividing the parking sections, motorcycle parking sign and pay meters will help riders identify these places in which they can park.
PARKING PLAN By simply replacing only 11 full sized metered spaces and turning them into motorcycle spots frees up 33 full sized parking spaces. As a result of this solution I predict to see an increase in the flow of traffic especially during peak hours, as current and new riders are encouraged to take their bikes into the city. Even at a reduced rate fifty cents per hour for a motorcyle a full meter, with 4 motorcyles doubles its profit per hour.
SOLUTION This would be an example of a motorcycle parking safe spot in downtown Denver that would replace the first metered spot. Having the parking first after the light allows for motorcyclists to easily see whether or not the parking is available, helping reduce lane changing among motorcyclists looking for a free spot. All spots would be accompanied by a pay meter.
SOLUTION For long sections of space such as with the section of Market street in between 18th and 19th. The road would be seperated
SOLUTION Example of a motorcycle parking sign that would be posted. Talk about color green and bold font choice. The addition of the triangle at the top is meant to lead the readers eye into the sign and also serve as a visual symbol for motorcycle parking. To engage peoples reflexive beahvior after seeing the symbol they will just know that it relates to motorcycle parking without really reading the sign.
IMPLEMENTATION Now it is time to turn this idea of having motorcycle parking in Denver into a reality. I feel that the best plan of action is to take this data over to the proper officials over at Denvergov parking and administration; In addition I will also be visiting the local motorcycle shops around Denver to gather their support for this project. If they can see the motorcycle community behind this then they are much more likely to listen to what I have to say.