Editor,
I disagree on several levels with Rebecca Granato's letter published in the Daily Lobo on Wednesday.
The first is the availability and expense of motorcycle parking. Although I usually commute by bicycle, there are times when circumstances dictate a mode of transportation that can get me farther, faster. On those occasions, I ride an old cafe racer.
I have found that there are three motorcycle parking areas within a two-minute walk to the SUB. I can think of seven locations that can easily get you anywhere on campus with just a two-minute walk, including all the locations listed in her letter. In fact, one of the biggest parking areas is right outside of Zimmerman Library - which Granato lists as needing motorcycle parking space.
It should also be noted that I've been riding motorcycles to UNM for more than two decades and have yet to find any of the parking areas full. I purchased my motorcycle parking permit at the beginning of the semester, and I don't find the $60 annual fee to be excessive. I was told at the time of purchase that if I chose not to use the permit for the entire year, I could get a prorated refund. I just called Parking and Transportation Services, and the nice man who answered told me if I bought the permit today, it could also be adjusted for half the semester that has passed by.
Where I also disagree with Granato is that scooters should have the right to be parked anywhere on campus - like bike racks. In my mind, motor vehicles have no place on campus. They're smelly, they're noisy and they can reach speeds that are too fast, especially given their weight, to be compatible with pedestrian traffic.
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Perhaps UNM Parking and Transportation Services should rethink its parking policies. It should take all motorized traffic off pedestrian areas.
Danny Hernandez
UNM student
