How To Register A Moped On Msu Campus

MSU students will no longer exist allowed to park mopeds almost bike racks – unless we do something well-nigh it

Spartans, now is the time to get pissed.

MSUPD has announced that, starting in the 2017 fall semester, students will no longer be allowed to park their mopeds next to wheel racks.

What you lot demand to know

The statement, which can exist read in full here, states that "these vehicles will be required to buy a permit and use designated moped parking areas on campus. The moped registration fee will be $50 for a one year permit. Designated moped parking areas will be conveniently located throughout campus."

Now, it's worth noting that the changes were apparently "recommended to the MSU Police Department by the All University Traffic and Transportation Commission," then nosotros probably shouldn't arraign the police forall of this.

It's also worth noting that having to register your moped for a fee is nothing new – although in reality, you'll just pay the same if you park in the designated areas. Otherwise, that $25 violation fee for each time you lot park past the bike racks will add up speedily.

Why this is an issue

You lot may be thinking: "What's the big deal? Is it really that much of an outcome to park in the lots?"

The answer is a resounding yes.

Commencement of all, the entire point of riding a moped is that it's faster than a bike, and you lot can ride it twelvemonth-round. It'due south also infinitely improve than riding the bus and having to adhere to CATA's schedule, and much more convenient than a car since yous don't have to search desperately for a parking spot before walking the remaining distance to your class.

Having to find a parking spot for your moped and then walk to class would make it overall slower than a bicycle, and no better than a car.

2nd of all, the MSU Police were taking some liberties when they said that the parking areas would exist "conveniently located throughout the campus." In reality, the locations of the spaces leave enough to exist desired:

Equally yous tin can come across above, if you live or have a class in East you're pretty much fucked. The nearest lot volition be at least a five to 10 infinitesimal walk away, which volition probable double your commute. And no matter where you lot have a course, you're probable to have at least a five minute walk – which will make a difference when shitty weather pops up.

Finally, it should go without saying that the largest campus in America should offer a half-decent fashion to get around said campus. The passenger vehicle service is neither reliable nor gratuitous (although information technology should exist both), and parking spots for cars are well-nigh nonexistent. Taking away the convenience of mopeds legitimately calls into question whether or not attending such a large school is worth information technology.

How Spartans can fight back

While this may seem very official, it's hardly set in stone. There is yet time for the MSU administration to hear the people's outrage and alter its tune.

In order for that to happen, though, nosotros must make ourselves be heard.

First – sign this petition. At the time of publishing, the petition had already accumulated over three,000 signatures despite being started just this morn.

Next – telephone call (517) 355-8440. This is the number for the MSU parking office. Calling can definitely be a stressful affair for some people, but don't worry, just follow these easy steps:

1.) Call the number. 2.) Dial the number goose egg when prompted. 3.) Ask who you could talk to regarding the change in moped parking. four.) Ask why the changes were made and vocalisation your displeasure with the change, as well as the number and location of the designated moped lots. As aroused as you may exist, stay calm and exist polite throughout the entire telephone call. It's not their fault – they are just doing their chore.

Finally – nourish the adjacent coming together for the All University Traffic and Transportation Committee. The AUTTC next meet tomorrow, Thursday, April 27 at 3pm. This volition likely be your last opportunity to vocalisation your displeasure in person and brand an bear on.

If we tin can convince the schoolhouse that enough people are angry and willing to work toward a better solution, they'll have no choice but to listen to us. All it takes is a little work.

#SpartansWill.