The Oaks needs more parking for motorcycles

The Oaks mall remodeling folks have indicated that their work has the environment in mind. There's one area of awareness, however, that seems to escape them. Two-wheeled motor vehicles (scooters and motorcycles) take up little space and use very little gasoline.

Even though I own two cars, I prefer to drive my motorcycle when I go shopping--or anywhere else for that matter.

I have repeatedly asked The Oaks management why they make no provisions for motorcycle parking, but I've been put off with a "We'll look into it" excuse every time.

Last Christmas Eve, I drove my motorcycle to The Oaks mall to buy one last present. The parking lots were positively jammed.

I found a small space out at the end of a parking lane. There was a small scooter already parked there. This spot was about as perfect a place as possible for two to three motorcycles. It wasn't in the way of any vehicle or foot traffic. It didn't block access to any gate, entry, exit, emergency or maintenance equipment. It didn't even say "no parking."

When I came out about 15 minutes later, I found the parking lane blocked by three Oaks mall security pickup trucks and one squad car, all with their light-bars blazing away.

Including the three uniformed sheriff's department Explorers on foot, there were a total of seven officers gathered around my bike.

I was stunned that one out-of-the-way motorcycle warranted this much attention by security personnel on this very busy shopping day. Over the next few minutes, various officers were even asked by other shoppers to please move their vehicles so they could get their cars out.

The deputy initially stated that I was getting a ticket but changed his mind when I told him that I usually get rude looks and occasional snide comments from frazzled drivers looking for parking if I take up a whole space designed for their cars.

A significant percentage of California drivers own scooters and motorcycles, and I'll bet that if The Oaks mall and others were to make parking provisions for these energy- and space-efficient vehicles, more people might be encouraged to use them for shopping. Anyone who has visited European cities has seen the wisdom of this approach.

The Oaks mall management could use a little enlightenment.
Chad Smith
Newbury Park