Bike Parking at UCSD

[Drunk Monkey]

I am going to be starting grad school part time in a couple days and just wanted some info from the experienced. Is it difficult to find bike parking? Looking at the parking map, it looks like a lot of the motorcycle parking is in the red faculty lots. Can we still park there?

Also, you hear a lot about bike thefts on campus, but if I am only there from around noon to 5, should I be alright? (assuming someone is stupid enough to even want to steal my bike. 96 gs500)


BTW, think i may have met some people in the club from Matt's birthday party at D&B a month and a half ago.

[grimfandango]

parking is not bad during the day, (i think)

there seems to be plenty of parking right now, although there is an influx of new students (seems our population increases steadily)

i think you'll be fine during the day, 12-5
but i think they've been stealing the newer shiner superbikes vs. the tried and true.

[thehowchow]

you should be alright, just try to find places with other bikes and strictly avoid Gilman Parking Structure.

[Drunk Monkey]

Thanks for the info. So am I alright to park in the red lots?

[247BlackOut]

If it says motorcycle parking, then you're good. I don't the motorcycle parking is restricted to faculty only. But of course always look around at the signs and be aware of your surroundings.

I park in Gilman parking structure, but I'm a 250 next to bigger prettier bikes. :silences:

[soundmann]

As long as you have a motorcycle parking permit you can park in any of the motorcycle parking areas. The designation of the rest of the lot for cars (faculty, staff, student, etc.) doesn't matter.

[soundmann]

I hear an echo in here, Jeanette.

[soundmann]

Isn't the motorcycle parking in Gilman literally right next to the entrance gate? People talk about not parking in Gilman, but it would seem pretty obvious if someone were stealing a bike.

I haven't been in that parking garage, so I don't know if there are other motorcycle parking areas in it.

[thehowchow]

no, all the bikes are stolen in gilman even with that security booth. It is dark and it only takes a few seconds to throw a bike into a truck and drive off. I've heard too many times already...

[247BlackOut]

no, all the bikes are stolen in gilman even with that security booth. It is dark and it only takes a few seconds to throw a bike into a truck and drive off. I've heard too many times already...

I don't know if I'm imagining things, but I think they put a new light in. It looks brighter on the far side. We should think about putting up signs for the new freshmen and such in Gilman saying "If you like your bike, don't park it here." I wonder if we can find statistics on how many bikes were stolen from Gilman last year.

[McShiggits]

There's a bunch of moto parking, I'm not sure how obvious it is on the parking maps, but there's a lot of little motorcycle spots. Some of the lots can get really full (especially around noon), but you shouldn't have any trouble finding a lot with some space. But yeah, like others have said, as long as it's marked for moto parking it's fair game!

I probably did meet you at Matt's bday, my name's Ben, I came along with the gigantic guy Colin that Matt played a bunch of House of the Dead with.

[dlowery21]

Ok, I'm new at UCSD and I have an 01 R1 which I assume would classify as a "prettier, shinier" bike that you guys park next to. Where should I park guys? -Dan

[soundmann]

Dan, you should park next to my Ninja.

[dlowery21]

hahaha good call, i think i'll put a basket on my bike and a banana seat and than park next to your ninja and should be ok? hahaha -Dan

[soundmann]

Here is a link to some UCSD monthly crime reports (04-05): http://blink.ucsd.edu/Blink/External/Topics/Policy/0,1162,15835,00.html

According to these reports and the UCSD campus police dispatcher I just spoke to on the phone, I get the impression that motorcycle theft is not a huge issue and that some people have easily blown it out of proportion.

That said, I'm not about to leave my bike overnight in a lot all by itself, but I'm not going to constantly worry about my bike either.

[melonheadR6]

It really comes down to what you're comfortable with. People have had their bikes disappear from when they walked in to take a final to when they got out. If you have a sexy bike, don't let it sit around at night. PERIOD.

[EIREANN]

parking is not bad during the day, (i think)

there seems to be plenty of parking right now, although there is an influx of new students (seems our population increases steadily)

i think you'll be fine during the day, 12-5
but i think they've been stealing the newer shiner superbikes vs. the tried and true.

I dunnooo... I apparently stole your bike and it was like at 5 or somthing ;)

* if you dont have a new and shiney bike you SHOULD be fine. The cops do try (I got pulled over by them thinking I stole grim's broken ex250 :squid: ) Buuuut they arent too great about catching the real thiefs

[Joey600RR]

just park where there are a slew of bikes, i usually park by price, or in one of the 2 lots by peterson hall. the only time i had any problems was when i parked out in the boonies by myself, got my jacket and helmet stolen, first year mistake i guess lol. . .

[247BlackOut]

It's usually the 600 and up sport bikes that get targeted. I believe parking in front of the financial aid office is your safest bet, but it gets crowded really fast.

[247BlackOut]

I just noticed that when you buy your motorcycle parking permit, they give you complimentary 10 day S parking for the whole quarter. Is this something new? Or has this always been the case? If so, that's a sweet deal.

[Drunk Monkey]

They didn't offer this to me, but I knew about it before hand and asked for the card. A friend that was at UCSD last year told me about it, so it isn't new this year.
Yeah, it is a really sweet deal. Especially if you only have to be at school 2 days a week.

[UhOhErk]

I just noticed that when you buy your motorcycle parking permit, they give you complimentary 10 day S parking for the whole quarter. Is this something new? Or has this always been the case? If so, that's a sweet deal.

I got the card last year but they didnt want to give it this year cause I purchased a regular permit also

[essarty]

yeah, they did the 10 day permit last year too. i went at the beginning of every quarter and asked for a new one. they pull up that i bought a motorcycle permit, and fork one over. its for days when it rains or bad weather days.

[MotoFuzzle]

I got the card last year but they didnt want to give it this year cause I purchased a regular permit also
I think you only get the card if you buy the permit for the whole year...not just a quarterly. I think it's pretty lame cause you get a new 10-day pass each quarter.

[cbrchavez84]

what's up everyone, i'm new to hypercycles but unfortunatley i didn't see this thread on ucsd and motorcycle theft or i wouldn't have taken and parked my bike there if i knew it was unsafe. i don't go to ucsd i just worked a banquet tonight and my bike got jacked from the Pangea Parking Garage 5th floor in the corner motorcycle parking. i got there at 5pm and parked behind a few scooters and another street bike locked the handlebars and went to work. came back at 9:30pm and discovered that those f'in bike theifs and jacked my cbr600RR all black with black windshield front flushmount turn signals and fender eliminater kit both clear lens. very minimal scratches on lower right fairing and crankcase as well as rear fender and broken right rear turn signal. my bike is on my avatar. if anyone see's or hears about it please call or email me. 619-757-4585 ricardoandtonielle@yahoo.com my name is ricky. please help me out and help my baby come back to me. thank you.

[247BlackOut]

Sorry to hear about this Ricky. =(

[thehowchow]

sorry to hear the bad news, bike thefts are and will ALWAYS be a problem

[cbrchavez84]

what's up everyone, i'm new to hypercycles but unfortunatley i didn't see this thread on ucsd and motorcycle theft or i wouldn't have taken and parked my bike there if i knew it was unsafe. i don't go to ucsd i just worked a banquet tonight and my bike got jacked from the Pangea Parking Garage 5th floor in the corner motorcycle parking. i got there at 5pm and parked behind a few scooters and another street bike locked the handlebars and went to work. came back at 9:30pm and discovered that those f'in bike theifs and jacked my cbr600RR all black with black windshield front flushmount turn signals and fender eliminater kit both clear lens. very minimal scratches on lower right fairing and crankcase as well as rear fender and broken right rear turn signal. my bike is on my avatar. if anyone see's or hears about it please call or email me. 619-757-4585 ricardoandtonielle@yahoo.com my name is ricky. please help me out and help my baby come back to me. thank you.

[cbrchavez84]

everyone please just keep a look out. thanks for the support. i'm trying to post it everywhere and pray for a miracle

[sdtraviesosd]

sorry to hear the bad news bro. hope you had insurance

[blndweasel]

(assuming someone is stupid enough to even want to steal my bike. 96 gs500)

Is it silver? I think you might be my new neighbor. PM me if you just moved in to Coast.

[quaggsxr750k7]

everyone please just keep a look out. thanks for the support. i'm trying to post it everywhere and pray for a miracle

I agree with sdtraviesosd. I hope you had comprehensive insurance. I am being practical with you: you will never see that bike again. Take it from me (two stolen and not to be heard from ever again). Your bike is probably in Mexico, exported to some other country, or is parted out (~$20000). Your best bet is to get a Fahgettaboutit lock or something comparable if you decide to buy another sportbike. I really am sorry for your loss because I have felt the pain twice.

[quaggsxr750k7]

TO ALL: Maybe we should try and petition for better security measures. You know, like CCTV at most of the major motorcycle parking areas (i.e. Peterson, Pangea, Gilman, etc.). At least with that, if the bike was stolen, we could at least know when and what kind of vehicle is stealing the bikes. It is probably a ring in San Diego.

[quaggsxr750k7]

I don't know if I'm imagining things, but I think they put a new light in. It looks brighter on the far side. We should think about putting up signs for the new freshmen and such in Gilman saying "If you like your bike, don't park it here." I wonder if we can find statistics on how many bikes were stolen from Gilman last year.

I found out how many motor vehicle thefts that occurred last year. 52 on campus. I don't know how many are bikes, but it is a start. Maybe somebody should ask the parking office for the information specific to the bikes.

[UhOhErk]

TO ALL: Maybe we should try and petition for better security measures. You know, like CCTV at most of the major motorcycle parking areas (i.e. Peterson, Pangea, Gilman, etc.). At least with that, if the bike was stolen, we could at least know when and what kind of vehicle is stealing the bikes. It is probably a ring in San Diego.
Really sorry to hear about the bike. Damn :rifle: thiefs

I know if we take up an issue like bike security that we can get a lot more people to join the club. We should try petitoning for changes to the areas. It would be a good topic to rally other riders together for one great cause.

[cbrchavez84]

unfortunately i'm going through a financial struggle and could not afford to pay more for insurance than my actual bike payment. stupid, yes i know but you have to take risks and of course it didn't pay off. i know i'm never going to see it again and i'm gonna move on but still have hope. i agree with quaggsxr750k7. i don't want this to happen to any more bikers. i don't even go to ucsd, i was just at the wrong place at the wrong time with a nice bike. i don't know how to post threads but if someone can make one about recently stolen bikes and better security for bikes. for now i just have to suck it up and pay off my bike as quick as possible and get a new one down the road. i'm probably going to move back home to connecticut next year where i'll be able to save some money and pay it off and take better precautions in my bike security.

[blndweasel]

TO ALL: Maybe we should try and petition for better security measures. You know, like CCTV at most of the major motorcycle parking areas (i.e. Peterson, Pangea, Gilman, etc.). At least with that, if the bike was stolen, we could at least know when and what kind of vehicle is stealing the bikes. It is probably a ring in San Diego.

The cost for installation, management, recording and monitoring is perhaps far more than you are estimating. For, let's say, a 60 camera system (just Pangea and Gilman structures), DVR's to record everything, conduit to run your cables, the cables themselves... you're looking at around $150K. Yearly costs of monitoring that system would be somewhere around $20-40K if you contracted out to the only group on campus that does that sort of thing.

Try proposing a $150K project to parking, I guarantee they will laugh in your face. Now if the students can organize and make something happen via student leadership's influence or mass public demonstrations (yeah, right?) or otherwise to demand this program be implemented as it has affected so many students' lives... then you might find someone to share in your sympathies. But chances are the math alone doesn't work out right to base a project like that on the motorcycles parking spaces alone... you've got to play into the sympathies of the vast majority of other staff, students, and faculty... cagers.

The police department is currently working with campus loss prevention groups to develop a system of remote cameras that can capture evidence-quality licence plate shots in the parking lots... every time the topic has come up in coversation with the people I do business with, I've tried to drop the hint about motorcycles. I can tell you it is definitely something that is on their table. But if the system they have plans for meets its design criteria, the motorcycle parking areas that are attached to the larger parking lots would by covered. They've run into some technical challenges related to the lack of existing infrastructure, but I guarantee you that the University will continue to develop these projects as a part of larger efforts to harden public security prior to the planned connection of the campus to the metro trolley system ~2010. It's a liability thing... remember the University is self-insured. The campus has to prepare for it's new "guests" that will be arriving.

Parking structures without cameras is a scary thought, almost like a ticking time-bomb from a liability standpoint. All it takes is one adbuction, assault, or the like, and the cost of resulting civil actions would probably have paid for the entire system all along. These are things people are discussing every day, but unfortunately it takes an inordinate amount of time for projects and decisions like this to wade through the quagmire of government beaurocratic processes and procedures before it will ever come to fruition.

so, take action, or just wait and see what happens. been a while since I saw a good protest on campus... let me know if you need any help painting picket signs.

p.s. you didn't hear any of this from me. :silenced:

[quaggsxr750k7]

When I mentioned CCTV, I was thinking of something like the thing that you said PD was working on. It doesn't need to be as large of a scale as a 60 camera system. Just at the entrances/exits of the parking structures. That might be a good deterrent for petty motorcycle thefts. For the professional, it is going to take armed security to do that. That is something that parking would laugh at. When I mentioned a petition, it was implied that it was not going to affect just us. The cameras at the entrances and exits would be beneficial to all that park in the structures. Having one at the motorcycle spot would be for... It would take some organizing, base of support (people and money), but I think we could start something up. It does play into the whole University, not just us. So they can't say this is some special interest group. Mentioning the whole possibility of civil suits would be good. Plus, don't we pay to park on campus (most of us)??? Now it is a matter of entitlement to security, etc. We should have another GBM soon so that way we could discuss how to go about this.

[blndweasel]

Yeah, any time you try to get something done at the University it gets tricky and/or ugly. I think it's a great idea to organize and share our thoughts with as many groups on campus as possible. Student government is in place to serve as a conduit of the students' needs and desires to the University beaurocracy. It's a shame people don't use it for that nearly enough. I think people just don't get involved because they don't have the time, between work, school, social engagements, ahem... RIDING... you know what I mean. It's going to take a true diplomat / politician as our representative group voice to present this to the powers that be before anything will change.

In terms of financing, I've tried in the past through various means to get the actual budget of the Parking department. Despite the fact that university budgets, payrolls, etc. are public information and available upon request, my requests were never even answered. My gut instinct is that when you look at Parking's big picture financially, the numbers will add up to the reality that they don't have very much disposable income. The fees students, faculty, and staff pay for parking permits have to cover salaries and operating costs, materials, etc. But they also have to pay Parking's debt service for past and future construction projects. I don't know specifics as to whether Parking paid for Pangea and Gilman out of pocket, or via loans, but keep in mind they have several up and coming projects they may be trying to fund as well.

I would be happy to attend a meeting to discuss this topic on an informal basis. I work for the University and know these things because of personal contacts I have within the system. Because I don't represent any of the parties involved (Parking, student government, etc.) you can't quote me on any of this, but my experience from the last 7 years inside the system has given me a unique perspective on what will and what will not help a project move forward and become a reality. And trust me, it's ALL about WHO you know. Hint hint... student government representative who sits on the chancellor's board. If you can get the message across at the VC level, it stands a much greater chance of being heard. Get other campus groups on board (i.e. the other portions of the campus populace who would benefit from increased parking security) in the form of petitions or joint-representation, and the message will come across even stronger.

Nothing will become of this unless people come together as a group and devote precious time to the cause. Build the message up as strong as possible before voicing it to the system, or they'll brush it off as petty concerns by a small subset of the community. The concerns have to be strong, and widely held throughout the community. That takes action.

(power to the people)

the blonde weasel

[quaggsxr750k7]

I totally understand now. Again, it would be nice to have a general body meeting soon and then we can see how to start this. Our fliers should have a "campaign slogan" like: "Are you worried about your motorcycle being stolen? If not, you should be." Joe, are you listening, hint hint...

[dlowery21]

This may be a prehistoric idea but how about we set up a 'sting' operation. It seems like its almost becoming guaranteed that if you park your bike in Gilman or another parking garage at night it will get stolen. So why not have someone park there bike in one of those structures at night and either have a cop waiting for them on a different floor or have the actual owner waiting. If it is a common group of thieves or a common thieve that should work...maybe not. Just a suggestion. -Dan

[quaggsxr750k7]

This may be a prehistoric idea but how about we set up a 'sting' operation. It seems like its almost becoming guaranteed that if you park your bike in Gilman or another parking garage at night it will get stolen. So why not have someone park there bike in one of those structures at night and either have a cop waiting for them on a different floor or have the actual owner waiting. If it is a common group of thieves or a common thieve that should work...maybe not. Just a suggestion. -Dan

That would be a great idea. Except: who would want to risk their nice supersport bike? I sure as heck would not. They took mine in broad daylight 20ft away from my window. Now maybe if I had a :rifle: , then I might...

[essarty]

i'm down to sit watch with a baseball bat and a camera with my bike as bate.

[deiri87]

hey everyone.

I'm new to the forums and I wasn't going to be active until I actually get a bike (I'm currently taking the MSF course, my first ride ever is this Saturday!).

Anyways, bike security is already on my mind and I saw this thread.

Well today I got an email and this is what it says:
=======

Warren Students,

Ever had trouble finding parking at UCSD? Ever wonder what the school is doing to make parking better for students? Come find out!

Stop by Warren College Student Council this Thursday (Nov 2) at 5 - 6:30 pm in the Warren College Student Lounge (in EBU 3) for all your answers! WCSC will be inviting Brian D'autremont from Transportation and Parking Services to update the council on all things T&PS on this campus. Brian will also be answering any questions that students may have.

Please contact WCSC President Tanya Piyaratanaphipat at tpiyarat@ucsd.edu for any questions!

========

So I guess this would be a good time to address concerns specifically affecting motorcycles. Just wanted to let you all know. I'll probably have work during this time so I may not be able to make it. Plus it's probably better for someone who actually has experience parking around at UCSD.

[dlowery21]

I have full coverage on my bike and its an r1 so I'm down to use mine as bait if i can get some company of either more members or the cops...-Dan

[quaggsxr750k7]

Brave souls you are. Any members down? I have my trusty katana just in case...

[GEEN]

A stake-out sounds like a pretty good plan:

-Someone wire up a camera in a car with tinted windows or something. Multiple cameras for better effect.
-Someone monitor those cameras from somewhere else.
-2 brave others get ready to block the only 2 exits/entrances into the structure and block them with cars as they try to leave. If they force you to let them go before cops come, at least you'll have enough visual information for prosecution.

[UhOhErk]

Ya that sounds pretty good and id be down to arrange a sting. I have thought about this all before but I thought about getting something like a mini gps locater, like this: http://www.sharperimage.com/us/en/catalog/product/sku__MT200

This would be sweet to use, just hide it inside the bike somewhere are track them. Maybe we can try to coorinated with UCSD and/or UC police for funding and to get these a-holes arrested.

[cbrchavez84]

from what i''ve been reading is that we have a couple of volunteers to use there bikes as bait. if we have two bikes we can set up a sting in two seperate areas. that way we have a better chance to catch these thieves. who ever is down for doing this as soon as possible one of these lovely evenings. i have a car with very very dark tint but no camera so anyone interested please call me 619-757-4585.

[dlowery21]

as previously stated i will have no problem using my bike as bait nor do i have a problem using my car which has limo tinted windows all the way around either. since this sting concept was my idea if this works out i would like punch/kick/batting on the theves, all thereafter can be you guys or the cops. i may throw in a yo momma insult or something as well. anyway, let me know whats up i'd love to help. -dan

[cbrchavez84]

hey dan, do you know anyone with a camera. now we have 2 cars with limo tint and 1 bike def. in. anyone else in on the sting. dan give me a call.

[GEEN]

If this sting does go down, make sure you consider the following:

1. Will you get adequate law enforcement participation? How quickly will they arrive at the scene if it's not a life threatening matter? From my personal dealings with the police, they don't seem to prioritize property loss too much, especially local/UCSD cops. Also, even though they are supposed to be unbiased in serving the public, would they really be as willing to help this particular demographic (young street bikers)?

2. Would you really confront the thieves? When a thief is cornered by civilians, he would probably do anything to avoid jail time, possibly shooting someone. You never know who's packing heat until the situation escalates. Never assume a criminal is harmless.

3. If everything is in your favor, and you catch the thieves before cops get involved, would you really do anything to them? In this country, anyone can get sued, even vigilantes.

4. Are you really willing to sacrifice your bike? If so, be prepared to never to see it again. The safest way to catch a thief is to let the cops do the confrontation. That means all you can do is catch the thief in the act, get his plates and all the visual information, let him go, and hope that the cops will get him and recover your bike. Confrontation takes balls, or a cop willing to stake out with you.

If you do decide to confront the thief, I would recommend several people in masks, the more people the better. If you involve a car, cover the plates and as much identity as possible. Should the thief get away and seek revenge, at least you'll be anonymous. If you subdue the thief and want to bring him justice, do not commit unnecessary violence; just bring cuffs/zipties/ropes to hold him down until the cops come. But even that might be a crime on your part, but the recorded evidence should work in your favor.

[247BlackOut]

hey everyone.

I'm new to the forums and I wasn't going to be active until I actually get a bike (I'm currently taking the MSF course, my first ride ever is this Saturday!).

Anyways, bike security is already on my mind and I saw this thread.

Well today I got an email and this is what it says:
=======

Warren Students,

Ever had trouble finding parking at UCSD? Ever wonder what the school is doing to make parking better for students? Come find out!

Stop by Warren College Student Council this Thursday (Nov 2) at 5 - 6:30 pm in the Warren College Student Lounge (in EBU 3) for all your answers! WCSC will be inviting Brian D'autremont from Transportation and Parking Services to update the council on all things T&PS on this campus. Brian will also be answering any questions that students may have.

Please contact WCSC President Tanya Piyaratanaphipat at tpiyarat@ucsd.edu for any questions!

========

So I guess this would be a good time to address concerns specifically affecting motorcycles. Just wanted to let you all know. I'll probably have work during this time so I may not be able to make it. Plus it's probably better for someone who actually has experience parking around at UCSD.

Anyone else interested in going to this meeting? Compose a list of concerns and question and I will do my best to get the point across. Eric, you should show up at the meeting too. The more people that show up the better. It's far more effective when we work in groups.

[sdtraviesosd]

im down for the sting fo sho! but lets keep the time and place a secret, just in case any thiefs are watchin.

[cbrchavez84]

i'm going to talk to the detective handling my case and get information on if we do this how much support would we get from the campus police. i def. wouldn't attack someone unless my life was threatened so i would not harm a theif in action unless we knew positively he was unarmed.

[essarty]

just because the bait is out, doesnt mean they'll bite. if we leave an attractive bike out in the same place for a while it might be more inticing from a thiefs POV (hasnt moved in a while).

Dan, lets camp out hahah. we may not even have to get the police involved... just masks on, lol. he may go tell his friends "man **** stealing bikes near UCSD"

-Meats

[quaggsxr750k7]

Put me down for the meeting. I get off of work at 6:30pm that night so I will be strolling by a little late to the meeting. I agree with sdtraviesosd, let's try not to go into too much detail about this on this unsecured forum. A GBM at least is closed and we know who is in the room. Or a ride to some place on the weekend and then talk about it would be nice...

[dlowery21]

can a brother whoop some ass? thats all i wanna do! I just wanna whoops some ass and tell the cop he freaked when he saw us jump out and dropped the bike and fell over leaving the marks on my bike. hahaha. I'll watch some old school Tyson KO's and get pumped. hahahaha. -Dan

[grimfandango]

ah, it smells like vigilantism

[soundmann]

Vigilante, city style -- Judge, Jury, and Executioner

Death Wish anyone?

http://img23.photobucket.com/albums/v68/geo175/Wallpaper%201/Wallpaper%202/Wallpaper3/death_wal.jpg

[cbrchavez84]

so where does eveyone want to meet to plan this sting operation and when.

[quaggsxr750k7]

I won't be able to go to the meeting tonight. From the other thread, it looks like Gilman might be a little bit safer.

[Lloyd]

yo! I'm about to get my R6 and use it this winter, and I was on campus just 2 hours ago, I met up with this one dude with an SV-650 and asked him about bike thefts on campus. (I assume you're on here since you were the one who told me about this site). I hope this cycle parking situation gets better. I'm considering lo-jack or something like that, (GPS tracking).

Have any one of you guys ever used some sort of security system with your bikes on campus other than just locks and such? Let me know! thanx.

When's the next gbm? I'd like to meet the riders from ucsd.

-Lloyd