[*BCM*] Back Bay Bike Racks

[Jim Leonard]

On Tue, 28 Nov 2006, Paul Schimek wrote:

>
> Anyway, we are looking to get the city to clarify its secret, unlawful
> policy that bikes are not permitted to be locked to public property (does
> that include bike racks too?) and can be confiscated at any time without
> notice.


I know you're specifically talking about Boston, but it's worth noting
that Cambridge law is rather specific as to where a bicycle can be parked
on "the public way" and explicitly forbids locking to parking meters in
section 12.9 of Cambridge Traffic law.  Somerville on the other hand
explicitly allows it in section 13-8 of the Sommerville Traffic law.


The whole of these sections is worth reading so I'm copying them here.
Actually the whole of the bicycling sections of the traffic and zoning
laws for Mass, Cambridge and Somerville are but you can read that
yourself without me spoonfeeding it to you.

Somerville:
Section 13-8 Bicycle Parking
Bicycles may only be parked on a public way as hereinafter provided.
Bicycles may be secured to existing public appurtenances, such as light
poles, street signs, and parking meters. Where available, bicycles should
be secured at bicycle parking facilities.  Bicycles may not be secured to
public shade trees or to other street furniture, such as benches or trash
receptacles. Bicycles not secured properly are subject to impoundment at
the discretion of the Chief of Police. Bicycles properly secured which
have not been moved in fifteen days may also be impounded. Bicycles
secured in violation of this provision shall be subject to a penalty of
fifteen dollars and/or impoundment.

Cambridge:
Section 12.9: BICYCLE PARKING ON THE PUBLIC WAY

(a) Bicycles are permitted to park against a building, street sign pole,
or on a bicycle rack or other facility specifically intended for that
purpose.

(b) Under no circumstances shall a bicycle obstruct the pedestrian path of
travel or handicap access ramps. A parked bicycle must leave at least 36
inches of an obstruction free path of travel.

(c) Bicycles are not permitted to be parked to: fire hydrants, hand
railings, benches, trees, trash receptacles and parking meters.

(d) Bicycles shall not be parked longer than 72 consecutive hours at the
same location in any business district as defined in section 12.8.

(e) Bicycles in violation of the above regulations shall be tagged and
removed immediately if presenting a public safety hazard as noted in
section 12.9 (b) and given a 72-hour notice to remove for violations in
section 12.9 (c) and (d). Removed bicycles shall be held by the City of
Cambridge Department of Public Works for a minimum of 30 days.

(e) No motorized vehicles shall be parked on a bicycle rack or other
facility specifically designed and intended for bicycle parking. Violators
are subject to immediate removal from the City of Cambridge Department of
Public Works or Police Department.

ABANDONED BICYCLE

A bicycle with one or more of the following defects that can be removed by
the City of Cambridge Public Works Department for public safety and
maintenance purposes:

(a) No tires or wheels

(b) Have warped wheels or frame

(c) Missing, rusted or broken chain in such a state that renders the
bicycle inoperative.
(d) Missing or warped handle bars