opinion poll - so my bike was moved by random umass employees w/o my auth

[spicy]

Hey guys, I figured I'd consult the motorcycle community on here to see if i'm handling this the right way.

Backstory:
-Rode bike yesterday until 8pm, then parked in dorm's motorcycle parking area.
-Went to dining hall for lunch at 3:10pm, see it's closed (due to university barbecue taking up space), go down to nearby university barbecue
-Find long line of guys flipping burgers on chain-grille where university-sanctioned motorcycle parking (and my bike) was.
-Find bike moved 50ft away, along with 3 or 4 other bikes
-Get closer and find little piece of paper slipped between windshield and back of gauges saying, word-for-word, "ATTENTION PLEASE REMOVE YOUR BIKES FROM THIS AREA BY 2PM DUE TO THE SOUTHWEST BBQ THANK YOU"

Misc facts:
-MC parking is behind 15' tall concrete wall separating it from 95% of the dorms in the housing-area (totaling 20+ buildings), so it's almost guaranteed that the bikes won't be seen regularly unless you're actually going to be riding it.
-MC parking takes up approx 20'x10' spot, next to probably 40'x300' area of concrete behind another dining hall, excluding the probably 500'x500' grass lawn immediately next to the concrete
-Notice was placed behind windscreen after 8pm yesterday and 3pm today (when i saw the note, after the bike had been moved)

Safe assumptions:
-Note was placed today before 2pm
-Bike was moved at or around 2pm.


Anyways, so I wrote the University Parking Services the following e-mail, and forwarded it to the University Police Dept (official police dept, not campus security). Attached is the UMPD copy:








Dear UMPD Community Outreach Officer,

Attached is a forwarded copy of an e-mail that I sent to Parking Services
regarding the relocation of my motorcycle on Wednesday afternoon between 1:30
and 3pm (5/7/08) in the MC Parking area at the West side of the Horseshoe in
Southwest.

I have expressed interest in knowing who was in charge of the move, and was
wondering if there was any video footage of the event so as to inspect the
bike's treatment.

I'm appreciative of any and all effort you can spare to look into the matter.



Thank you,
~Aaron Xxxxx






----- Forwarded message from xxxxx@student.umass.edu -----
Date: Wed, 07 May 2008 16:07:12 -0400
From: xxxxx@student.umass.edu
Reply-To: xxxxx@student.umass.edu
Subject: Fwd: 5/7/08 - Afternoon Southwest Motorcycle Relocation
To: parking@admin.umass.edu

To whom it may concern,

I'm e-mailing in order to investigate who moved my motorcycle and by which means
it was relocated (its steering was locked and the motorcycle was parked in gear
to deter theft) from the MC-Permit parking to a restricted parking space by the
service entrance of the Berkshire Dining Commons. I understand that the
University and Parking Services retain the right to close certain areas under
the carte blanche "close any lot/roadway for special events, maintenance, or
when otherwise deemed necessary without prior notice" (G-5 under UMass Parking
Regulations <http://parking.umass.edu/forms/ParkingRegulations.pdf>).

As the motorcycles are commanded to use "designated motorcycle parking areas,"
rather than parking lots (Section I under UMass Parking Regulations
<http://parking.umass.edu/forms/ParkingRegulations.pdf>), as no formal
definition or differentiation thereof is offered in the Definitions section,
there seems to be a discrepancy between guidelines and implementation.

I recognize that the University requires certain freedom with which to express
control over its property, but I am upset by the fact that the Southwest
Barbeque (the event from which the "closure of any lot/roadway" authority
appears to stem) could just as easily chosen a different spot to fry its meat
patties.

Motorcycle relocation is a delicate art, and one that is widely renowned as
being a risky affair when entrusted to others who are either ignorant in the
proper procedure, or lack the care and responsibility to treat another's prized
possession as it would otherwise be by the owner.

I am subsequently displeased by the fact that Parking Services made no effort to
contact the owners of the motorcycles parked in said location, aside from a
small note which was left in the space between the gauge cluster and windscreen
of each motorcycle sometime between the hours of 8pm 5/6/08 and 3pm 5/7/08. No
e-mail saying (Notice: You're a registered UMass motorcycle-permit-holder and
the MC parking in Southwest by the Horseshoe will be closed for parking between
the hours of x and y), nor was there a sign attached to the motorcycle parking
sign saying similarly.

Had there been, I certainly would've moved my motorcycle to somewhere else, but
I am supremely displeased by the fact that no effort at notification was made
(aside from the note that was displayed, which is probably the worst possible
effort at communication, as few SW motorcyclists live in constant sight of their
parked motorcycle, and the lot is out of visibility from the path most students
take to class).

I'm happy to oblige the University, but I am uncomfortable with the idea of some
person, likely unfamiliar with motorcycles, handling my bike (which had the
steering lock engaged and was parked in first gear) and needlessly risking
potential damage. If I break my bike, that's my fault, but if someone else
(whom I've not authorized, and have absolutely no way of finding any contact
info for insurance purposes) drops my bike and incurs damage, then there could
be a potential problem.



Thank you,
~Aaron Xxxxx
Student ID ########
Red Suzuki SV650S Motorcycle Plate XX-#X####
Parking Services Account Number #####



----- End forwarded message -----


edited for personal info

[RandyO]

at least now you know that locking the steering and leaving the bike in gear does not detur theft, be thankful you found out the easy way

[spydah]

As a motorcycle owner, I completely agree with your well thought, well written, and well argued letter.

As a beer guzzling, burger pounding college student, or a overpaid, overglorified parking clerk with an overinflated sense of self importance I woudl think your just whining and would pay little attention.

It will fall on deaf ears since there was no damage or proof of negliegence.

[GNTurbo6]

I'm gonna play devil's advocate here and say I don't see what the concern is that the bike was moved and no damage has resulted. Thus, I would conclude that whomever moved your bike does in fact know if proper bike moving procedure.

Really, I highly doubt it was just picked up by a bunch of people so I would think that perhaps a towing service was involved in moving the bikes and I'm sure they must know of proper procedure to avoid any liability damaging the bikes. UMass has money and they surely hire/contract people with proper experience.

I'd honestly be pretty happy it wasn't towed since UMass is pretty fond on doing that. That'd cost you a pretty penny and you'd be even more pissed.

[ChR1s]

I'm gonna play devil's advocate here and say I don't see what the concern is that the bike was moved and no damage has resulted. Thus, I would conclude that whomever moved your bike does in fact know if proper bike moving procedure.

Really, I highly doubt it was just picked up by a bunch of people so I would think that perhaps a towing service was involved in moving the bikes and I'm sure they must know of proper procedure to avoid any liability damaging the bikes. UMass has money and they surely hire/contract people with proper experience.

I'd honestly be pretty happy it wasn't towed since UMass is pretty fond on doing that. That'd cost you a pretty penny and you'd be even more pissed.

And you call yourself a motorcyclist?

[Wishbone]

They probably used a crane to move it.

[DucDave]

A few points...

• First, it was well written...not a flame job. Proves your education isn't being wasted
• Not sure what you want out of this unless it was simply to suggest to the responsible departments they might have improved the process. If so, well done.
• I suspect that this made you feel better too. Again, well done!
• Lucky for you...and them...there was np apparent damage.
• Finally, you're unlikely to get any response with those Xxxxxs in you identifications!!!

[Doc]

Or got a few guys to lift it...

I would hope that a letter of apology would be coming saying that the matter will be handled differently in the future.

How about starting an email list of bikers on campus to discuss issues and bring them up in a large group?

[Jim]

is it me, or does anyone else not see a poll?

[Devil1]

I would be HEATED. To say the least.

[BostonSVkid]

To me if I didnt find a scratch I would be happy they didnt fug it up!

Although I would be pissed as well. Each bike has a sticker on it and that sticker tells you who owns the bike. They could easily have called each student ( I am sure there arent many) and left them a voicemail on their campus phone or put a letter in their mail box. What truelly happened here is that they dragged their feet putting out the notice and then had to deal with it.

I would go to parking services PERSONALLY and complain not just write a letter. I dont feel a letter/email is personal enough.

[Ericthejet]

Maybe suggest a better way to let you know of the need to move the bike for such events? Email? Text alert.

[burnham]

How did they move it if the steering was locked? All I can picture is a couple monkeys dragging a bike by its front wheel.

[DuncanMoto]

If it was the campus police that moved it, don't they require plate registration, so they know how to call you? It's not like you parked illegally.

[spicy]

hey guys,

yeah, i'm not really sure what my goals were with this. probably 1) to let them know that it's my opinion that they handled this improperly, since it probably would've been easier and cheaper on their part to just check out the permit and get my e-mail/contact info (since i'm pretty sure the school even has my cell number, cuz of VTech), and that 2) my inspection wasn't thorough, so if something turns out to be wrong, i wanted a record of some sort of complaint.

do i think the school has the power to control its premises? yeah, but i think they went about handling this pretty much as badly/immaturely as could be.

i figure that most riders would agree with me (some won't, but i can understand where they come from). yes, i'm lucky it wasn't stolen/overtly damaged (still haven't thoroughly checked it out, but i'm about to in 2-3min), but i think whoever decided it had to be moved presented it with unnecessary risk. if something needs to be moved, you might as well at least try and notify the owner, since then you don't need to pay for towing or risk liability. i dunno if anyone here's seen bikes towed, but if you've ever seen a car towed, think that x10. they aren't kind. not to mention that i'd say less than 10% of the population is even familiar enough with bikes to know the proper/safe method of moving one. i think i'm just recognizing the fact that moving bikes is a risky affair, and am looking for some sort of assurance that they didn't just drag the poor thing (a possibility, albeit slight). i'd say 90%+ of the dangers of moving a motorcycle happen between first touching it and moving it the first 12" -- if they can move it that far, chances are they can move it another thousand feet without destroying it. i just don't like the idea of some random, and potentially ignorant and careless, person having the right to touch/risk damaging my bike without my knowledge/authority, when it would probably be easier to just notify me and have me deal with it and assume all liability.

just because the university has money, doesn't mean that some bureaucrat would see spending $200 hiring gourmet motorcycle movers as a worthwhile investment. the best way to make money is to keep the money you have.

i just want to make sure my belongings are treated with the respect that they deserve (if the university parked some random car in my driveway, i wouldn't call up 10 of my friends to say "hey guys, come over and we'll pick this car up and throw it into the street", i'd pick up the phone or go write an e-mail saying "uhh, why is this in my driveway and when can it be moved?")

:shrug:

still haven't heard anything yet, though. i'll post it up if/when i do...

[MissTwisties]

I agree, you should go in person to complain and ask questions. The letter was also a good move, as it is also in written, I'm sure you made a copy....


The way I see this is...if it was a car, would they have broken into it to move it 50 feet away? I don't think so. So what makes them think moving a bike is more OK? It's not their property, it's a vehicle that belongs to someone and nobody but the owner has ANY business touching it unless you give them your consent. (unless you're parked illegally, which you were not)

That reminds me of last year when my husband rode into work. While he was sitting in his office, his co-worker and buddy goes downstairs to his truck to go and get lunch. He sees this other guy from a neighboring business hop a leg over my husband's bike, put his hands on the handlebars and start "admiring" the bike...My husband's co-worker wissled at him and lifted his finger up, making a "no-no" motion, and giving him a pissed off look...apparently the guy just shrugged and got off the bike non chalently. People like that who think it's OK to touch other people's property pisses the hellaluvah out of me.

[TheIglu]

Best way to handle it is to catch them in the act. Get a alarm with a beeper.

My favorite is when you find someone mounting your ride. You tell them to get bent. Any bad looks? Just kindly ask how they would like you to mount their girlfriend "Just to see how it feels".

Point made.

[Jim]

Just kindly ask how they would like you to mount their girlfriend "Just to see how it feels". Point made.

good idea. spicy, you got a girlfriend i can mount?

[KillBill]

That was a very well written letter of concern.

I agree with you 100%. Someone owes you an explanation

[Rossy83]

You handled the situation very well IMO. As I would be really upset too, and feel you have every right to be. I really liked the "fry it's meat patties" line! Keep on them about it though, if that is where you have to park they need to do a better job informing you of parking closures. Maybe by posting the closure near the parking area not your bike, and not on the day of. The best resolution you will get is to make sure it doesn't happen again. That to me would be worth it.

[Doc]

You handled the situation very well IMO. As I would be really upset too, and feel you have every right to be. I really liked the "fry it's meat patties" line! Keep on them about it though, if that is where you have to park they need to do a better job informing you of parking closures. Maybe by posting the closure near the parking area not your bike, and not on the day of. The best resolution you will get is to make sure it doesn't happen again. That to me would be worth it.

[Qfactor]

Aaron,

You are going at this all too law-student like...

Once you get a reply that obviously shows their lack of interest and care for other people's properties, you should have the director of parking services's car moved at least once a day to random illegal parking spots around campus.

Make sure to leave a note each time...

Q

[capt1014]

is it me, or does anyone else not see a poll?

I don't see no stinkin poll!

[wingerdor]

First off, let me state that I would also be pissed about the moving of my bike with locked forks. I have nearly dropped mine if I forget that I locked the forks. However, as a guy who deals with college students leaving their cars parked overnight in the middle of my MSF range even though there are a number of "No Overnight Parking" signs at each entrance and exit, I wonder if there was a sign posted about the closure that you missed. College parking security has very little ability to tow vehicles here unless you park it crossways in the road into campus. All they have the autority to do is look up the parking ID and try and contact the person. I have an exclusive contract to be provided a clear closed parking lot and have come in in the morning to find cars in the middle of my range.

I agree, it sounds like they could have set up the BBQ somewhere near to the lot instead of right on it or made more of an attempt to contact you. (assuming you gave good contact info-Many students give not-so-good contact info, making it difficult at best to reach them.)

This is why I tend to only leave my GoldWing outside, not my CBR. Most people wouldn't even consider trying to move the wing.

[mzdagrl]

I think that you handled that situation exceptionally well. I would have been up in arms about someone messing with my bike. Also, if you hear nothing back by midway through tomorrow, go to whatever office you need to with photos of the bike, where it was originally, where it got moved to (were they moved into illegal parking? i musta missed that part), and any scratches or damage that may have occurred (if any). Check the front tire for evidence of dragging, and request a new tire for their ignorance.

Stay calm and polite, and let them know you are disappointed that motorcycles are treated with less respect than other vehicles on campus, toss out the word discrimination, and ask them why they couldn't have the BBQ set up in a different area. Schools hate being accused of discrimination.

Also, FWIW, solutions that Iwould like to see:
- better notification process, including signs posted at least three days in advance. it's a college campus. not everyone takes their cars every day, let alone their motorcycles.
- more notification attempts, such as email 24 hours in advance, or phone calls 1-2 hours in advance.
- alternatives if vehicles are not moved. it's a BBQ, did it have to be RIGHT there? could they have set up next to the motorcycles, say 50 feet away? if the bikes were fine there, then the BBQ would have been undisturbed as well.