Motorbikes in squeeze

NEWCASTLE commuters have called for more motorcycle parking in the central business district (CBD).

The city's spaces are overflowing as more people seek a cheaper travel alternative by ditching two wheels.

Motorcycle parking in the CBD would be considered by Newcastle City Council as demand increased, a council spokeswoman said.

The city's riders want the council to introduce all of the spaces flagged in the motorcycle parking strategy that has been a policy of the council since 2007.

Motorcycle commuter Peter Ryan said spaces in Newcastle's CBD were overflowing, forcing riders to park in car spaces that could accommodate up to four motorcycles.

He said the situation further contributed to the city's well-documented parking problems.

"Council's idea of waiting until there is a problem before they do anything is backward," Mr Ryan said.

"If supply is there, the demand will fill it."

Motorcycle parking is free to encourage more commuters to use the two-wheel machines to help alleviate parking problems and congestion.

Lord Mayor John Tate endorsed the congestion, environment and cost-saving switch to motorcycles when he completed a two-day learner rider course on Sunday.

The city has plenty of free spaces for motorcycles to park that are always full, including Argyle Street, Hunter Street in front of the heritage post office building and Market and Scott streets.

However, the council's motorcycle parking strategy provided for many more spaces such as converting no standing areas and using footpaths.

Council traffic officer Jocelyn Cardona said these were enough spaces for the present demand.

Three new motorcycle parking areas in Hamilton were made available by the council at two sites on Beaumont Street and one in Hudson Street.

"We will look at demand and use no parking areas where sight distance problems are not compromised by motorcycles," Ms Cardona said.