Rapid City Committee uses annual rally to educate public on parking protocols
RAPID CITY, SD—With the start of the 85th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, the Rapid City Disability Awareness and Accessibility Committee is renewing its reminder to motorcyclists and all drivers to refrain from parking in white or yellow-striped areas next to accessible parking spaces reserved for people with disabilities.
The white or yellow-striped areas adjacent to the accessible parking spaces provides important access for drivers and passengers in vans with wheelchair ramps and also for people in manual wheelchairs, using walkers and crutches. Van wheelchair ramps extend out of the side of the van, allowing a person in a wheelchair the space needed to exit and enter the van.
“With the increased number of motorcyclists in the area, it’s a good time to remind everyone the striped areas in parking lots are not for motorcycle or vehicle parking,” said Tamie Hopp, chairwoman of the City’s Disability Awareness and Accessibility Committee. “These spots serve a very important and useful purpose. Although the areas may look like a convenient option for parking a motorcycle or car, these areas are designed specifically for use by people needing accessibility options.”
For a fourth year in a row, the Committee is utilizing the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally to educate the public about the proper use of the striped parking areas. Drivers parking cars and motorcycles in white striped areas adjacent to public accessible spaces are subject to a $100 citation. Drivers are also reminded that parking downtown in areas marked with yellow curbs and striping are subject to a $25 citation. Many private businesses use yellow striping in their lots to designate accessible parking spaces for people with disabilities.
“Throughout the year, we encounter issues with drivers parking in areas reserved for drivers with accessibility issues,” Hopp said. “With the start of the rally, it’s the perfect time to remind both residents and visitors the importance of not only the striped areas in parking lots but also of the access parking areas for people with disabilities.”
Hopp said the striped areas provide needed space for people to maneuver in manual wheelchairs, to get a walker out of a car, or to use crutches. The striped accessibility parking areas serve a very important purpose as do all disability reserved parking areas.”
Parking accessibility is a critical issue for people with disabilities.
“In an instant, you can be dealing with a health issue or condition,” Hopp said. “Many don’t realize a person can be a heartbeat away – or one step away – from possibly becoming disabled. You can break an ankle or a leg in a fall. Suddenly that reserved parking space or striped area takes on new meaning and importance for the person who needs it.”
