We recently received some inquiries regarding parking on Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis. It seems that the parking restrictions have changed recently and reports advise that about 60 motorcyclists were ticketed last week.
ABATE of Indiana has contacted the Indiana State Police (ISP), the Indiana War Memorial (IWM), the City of Indianapolis Department of Public Works (DPW), Downtown Indianapolis Inc. (IDI) and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) to see if they can provide information in an effort to learn more about the situation.
It seems that while most merchants favored the previous parking arrangement (no parking on the Circle from 11:00 PM - 6:00 AM), one business may have had some issue and convinced a City-County Counselor to change the restriction to "No Parking 6:00 PM - 6:00 AM". This is not a motorcycle specific restriction, but it seems to affect motorcyclists most.
ABATE of Indiana is working with IDI and others to evaluate options and see what resolution can be reached. It is expected that ABATE of Indiana will provide an opportunity for the participants in this weekend's Motorcycles on Meridian to sign a petition expressing their desire to allow for the return of the previous parking regulation.
ABATE of Indiana will continue to work this issue, as we do any issue that has an impact on motorcycling in the State of Indiana. We look forward to seeing you on the Circle this Saturday, August 26th for the 10th annual Downtown Indianapolis Inc.'s Motorcycles on Meridian presented by ABATE of Indiana.
I guarantee there will be bikes parked on the Circle.
Ride Safe,
Ride Free,
Jay Jackson
Executive Director
ABATE of Indiana
UPDATE (September 11, 2017): ABATE of Indiana continues to communicate with governmental, business and civic leaders, and of course motorcyclists, in an effort to resolve the issue regarding parking on Monument Circle in Indianapolis. Several potential solutions are being evaluated, including alternative parking areas, limiting the amount of time a vehicle could park, and the possibility of restoring the prior schedule for parking. ABATE of Indiana will continue to advocate for riders and encourage returning the policy to what it was previously, and provide updates as more information becomes available.
