West Bay bikers outraged by ‘no parking’ signs (From Bridport and Lyme Regis News)

West Bay bikers outraged by ‘no parking’ signs

6:30pm Wednesday 10th October 2012 in News By Anne Bell

It was a case of now you see them, now you don’t, for new signs banning motorcycle parking in part of West Bay.

To the fury of bikers and local businesses, the West Dorset District Council ‘No Parking’ signs suddenly appeared last week without warning on the new pier wall.

But after a lightning social media campaign and a swift round of parking diplomacy, the signs were removed and new dedicated spaces for motorbikes have appeared in the car park.

Steve Tucker, of the nearby Ellipse cafe, and angry motorcyclists, who come to West Bay as a popular destination and to visit the Helmet City shop, immediately contacted the district council and started a Facebook campaign.

“The following day we were visited by Chris Graves, the new head of parking at West Dorset,” said Mr Tucker.

“He had received my email and a call from the Bridport News and decided the best thing was to come down and find out what was happening.”

Harbour master James Radcliffe joined the impromptu meeting and discussed parking facilities for motorbikes in the bay and in the Mound area in particular.

“As a result of the positive meeting, we agreed that the best place for motorcycle parking in the Mound area was to allocate some of the existing car parking bays near the entrance,” said Mr Tucker.

“The harbour master agreed to put up some temporary signs until Chris could get everything done officially and the area clearly marked out as being a motorcycle parking area. “We volunteered to remove the no parking signs, so that Chris could take them back with him.

“We are very pleased with the outcome, which has resulted in a much-needed, dedicated motorcycle parking area near the new harbour in West Bay.

“We hope news will spread that more than ever, West Bay welcomes motorcyclists. They are an important part of the tourism that helps to keep businesses in West Bay alive and hopefully thriving.”

West Dorset District Council leader Cllr Robert Gould said: “The motorcycle parking signs that were put up to deter motorcyclists parking along West Bay Esplanade have been taken down but we would still ask that motorcyclists do not park in pedestrian areas.

“The council has been speaking to motorcycling groups as part of a wider initiative to provide designated motorcycle bays and better signage in West Bay and in all the district council car parks in the very near future.”