Beachside council calls on visitors to show respect after ‘frustrating’ parking act

Finding a car park at the beach during the Aussie summer, especially near Christmas, is a near-impossible feat that many can relate to. Two men in this exact situation have filmed themselves taking matters into their own hands — lifting a parked motorcycle and moving it so they can park their vehicle there instead.

At the beginning of the controversial video, captioned "It's a Saturday and you need a parking spot at Bondi", one of the men kicks the helmet out of the way, before the pair struggle to lift the whole motorcycle off the ground and shuffle it to the side — appearing to laugh as they do this.

Waverley Council have confirmed with Yahoo News Australia that the motorcycle was "parked legally" in the spot. "We know our beaches can be very busy at this time of year, but we urge people to respect the local community, people’s property, and people around them at this time," a spokesperson said.

Mick Humphries, driving expert and Licensing Compliance Manager at RAISE Training told Yahoo News Australia that this behaviour is uncalled for and the bike should have been left alone.

"One motorbike per space can be seen as frustrating but that is how the parking regulations are set," he continued.

Yahoo understands that moving another person's vehicle in such a way is illegal in New South Wales, though NSW Police have denied to comment.

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After quickly gaining over 100k views online, reactions have been scathing to the two men from many who are shocked people would treat another person's property in such a way.

"This could be someone's bike who is just paying it off and struggling financially. It could mean so much to the owner. We don't know what someone is going through. This isn't funny," one replied.

Despite this, there have been many others who claim this act is warranted given the motorbike has taken a car space. "Kills me when a bike takes a whole car space! Well done boys!" an impressed person responded.

"I’ve always thought of doing this," shared another.

Motorcyclists can park in 'car spots'

The Motorcycle Council of NSW (MCC NSW) states "Most local councils have no provision for motorcycle parking" — confusing riders and car owners alike — and though some councils provide separate motorbike parking spaces with differing prices, parking stations will regularly charge a motorcycle the same rate as a car.

"Motorcycles can legally take up one 'spot'," Waverley Council confirmed. "However, a motorcycle cannot share a single "spot" with a car.

"Waverley Council provides motorcycle-only parking across the LGA including several locations in Bondi Beach and Bondi Junction."

If those free spots are not available, the rider will have to pay to use other parks. "Only use legal spaces and avoid parking on footpaths or pedestrian areas," a separate City of Sydney statement recommends.

Motorcycle movement can cause serious damage

Serious damage can be caused by even just tipping over a motorbike, making it unusable according to MCC NSW. "Even a minor impact can break foot controls, which are not designed to absorb impacts of this type," they state online.

It is also not recommended that a person, particularly someone inexperienced, lifts a motorbike by hand as it can cause significant injuries to a person and to the bike.

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