In a new “Not on the Sidewalks” campaign, the Denver Parking Authority has begun ticketing Stapleton kids for poorly parked scooters, bikes and tricycles throughout our neighborhood.
“We thought it was time to raise awareness and start teaching kids the importance of good parking habits and responding to tickets,” said Steve Gallagher, spokesman for the Parking Authority. Fines for poorly parked scooters and bikes start at $50 and can be as high as $250 if a bike or scooter is booted.
“While we haven’t received any complaints, we know a poorly parked scooter that blocks the sidewalk could be a hazard. Plus, with Daylight Savings time going away it gets darker earlier and people might trip over these scooters and bikes.”
Some residents have criticized the new measure approved recently by City Council saying it is a nuisance and is only aimed at increasing revenue. “My daughter got a $125 ticket for a 2nd offense – leaving her bike on the sidewalk without the kick stand and now she’s set up a daily lemonade stand to pay for it. She just comes straight home from school every day to sell lemonade in front of our house. She has made a lot of friends, and was profiled in 5280, but she is pretty stressed.”
A 13 year old Stapleton boy had his bike booted – in this case with chain and lock and a $250 ticket – after leaving it in front of his house overnight. West Pocket park resident Peter Moyer described the event with the usual hyperbole as is common with teenagers by saying, “What the flip! Are we living in District 12 or something?! The next thing we know the City will try to sell a tax increase when they’ve already started taxing teenagers with these flipping tickets! It is going to be at least a month before I will be able to buy a new Xbox game.”]]>