New Parking Options for Moped Commuters
Two new stations will be added this summer
As Duke community members diversify their transportation options – from bicycle to even an ELF – campus planners are keeping up.
Beginning May 11, Facilities Management will oversee the installation of two new moped parking stations behind the Sociology-Psychology and OIT-Telecommunications (Telcom) buildings. The new stations will join eight other moped/motorcycle parking areas across West Campus and the Health System as Parking and Transportation Services offers tailored parking options to students and employees.
Ultimately, the goal is to shift parking from bike racks near walkways and buildings to bicycle-only areas.
“It’s part of a longer-term plan to try and move motorized vehicles out of pedestrian zones to street-level access on the periphery of quads,” said Alison Carpenter, manager of Duke’s transportation demand management program. “The new stations will be more accessible from the street or mountable curb to make it more convenient.”
Construction of the stations will take place from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays through Aug. 1, barring weather delays. The stations will have a base of concrete and metal hitches to allow two mopeds to park at each hitch. Up to 14 mopeds will be able to fit behind Sociology-Psychology and up to 10 at Telcom.
Expansion of moped parking comes after a pilot program at the Fuqua School of Business proved successful, Carpenter said. Hitches were placed at the school for this academic year, to address student and employee concerns about potential theft and congestion at bicycle racks.
Because mopeds aren’t currently registered at Duke or in North Carolina, Parking and Transportation isn’t sure how many campus community members use the vehicles. However, state law will change in July, requiring registration and license plates for mopeds, which will eventually allow for Duke to track them as well.
“Anecdotally, there are more of them on campus,” Carpenter said. “Which is why we want to figure out better ways to accommodate the growing number and reduce conflicts with pedestrians and bicyclists.”
Carpenter said that students, faculty and staff may send her email at alison.carpenter@duke.edu to suggest future locations for moped parking stations.