Motorbike blocking access to services

Pug2013

Hi All.

I live in an apartment in Kildare and there is a motorbike locked down on the footpath in the front of the block and blocking access to both my ESB and Gas meters.

First off its blocking getting my meters read but more importantly its a saftey issue as it does be left running and if there is a gas leak at all the whole place could go up.

Management Company have been told about they wrote to him telling him it was to be removed. it appears that he is "breaking the house rules" He was told to remove it or they would, the time limit has gone over and the management company have done nothing further, even though they said they would move the bike if he didn't

What next can I do about this?

Thanks

drunkmonkey

Read the meter when the bikes gone. If your in fear of your house blowing up I'd start packing the bags.
Seriously though talk to the bike owner in person and tell him it's preventing your meter being read and would he mind locking it somewhere else.

Pug2013

Its locked down to the path 90% of the time. He has been asked to move it for the above reasons and has not done so.

drunkmonkey

I don't think there's a safety issue, maybe with the welfare of the bike but not your own personal safety that's a nonsense excuse to make a complaint.
If there is an issue reading the meters will the ESB not do something about it? Can you not just read them in the 10% window.

athtrasna

drunkmonkey wrote: »

I don't think there's a safety issue, maybe with the welfare of the bike but not your own personal safety that's a nonsense excuse to make a complaint.
If there is an issue reading the meters will the ESB not do something about it? Can you not just read them in the 10% window.

I would disagree that it's not a safety issue. If the bike is blocking the services, then it must be on the path. There would be insurance issues regarding the risk of the bike falling over and injuring someone. Any motor vehicle should be parked in a parking space only and not in other common areas. It is your management company's responsibility to ensure that this is complied with.

Pug2013

After uploading picture now

picture.jpg

hedzball

Pug2013 wrote: »

Have attached picture

Have failed at attaching picture..

Pug2013

Can you not see the picture at all?

Paulw

Report the issue to the Gardai and the local fire safety officer (your local fire station). Both can investigate. Illegal parking can be dealt with by the Gardai, and the fire safety office can investigate if it is a safety issue.

dMaN24

This all reminds me of those times when i had a car parked outside my driveway blocking my gates. Clearly he couldn't read as it said NO PARKING.

Once i got so mad i even wrote a note.

That told him off, all right.

McGixxer

Pug2013 wrote: »

Have attached picture

Picture no worky... please try again.

MadsL

What's with all the hostility in this thread? Is there not a reasonably clear point that the bike should not be parked on the path and is blocking access to services?

Victor

MadsL wrote: »

What's with all the hostility in this thread? Is there not a reasonably clear point that the bike should not be parked on the path and is blocking access to services?

Posts deleted

Constructive posts only please.

The Cuckoo's Nest is over there

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Moderator

djimi

Report bike to management company; it should not be parked on a footpath. Let them deal with it.

Is that a door behind the bike? If so then it looks like its doing a great job of blocking access to/from the building. Could be a serious safety hazard in the case of a fire etc...

smellslikeshoes

Bikes get stolen a lot, the owner is parking it there for safety. It wouldn't last a month parked in an actual parking space, not to mention the fact there would be another thread here complaining about a bike taking up a full parking space :pac:

djimi wrote: »

Report bike to management company; it should not be parked on a footpath. Let them deal with it.

Is that a door behind the bike? If so then it looks like its doing a great job of blocking access to/from the building. Could be a serious safety hazard in the case of a fire etc...

I'd assume that's probably the bike owner's door.

Paulw

smellslikeshoes wrote: »

I'd assume that's probably the bike owner's door.

Even still, it could be a fire safety issue.

Also, blocking access to the meters is a hassle, and shouldn't be allowed. I would also guess that if there is a gas mains there (to the meter) then there is an emergency shutoff valve there too, which requires 24/7 access.

djimi

smellslikeshoes wrote: »

Bikes get stolen a lot, the owner is parking it there for safety. It wouldn't last a month parked in an actual parking space, not to mention the fact there would be another thread here complaining about a bike taking up a full parking space :pac:

How is it any less likely to get stolen where it is currently parked (unless its bolted to the wall, which I very much doubt)? I doubt a potential thief is going to care that its right beside the front door...

Bored of Force v4

In all fairness its not like he has it parked in front of a burning building full of screaming children is it?

Cloudhopper

Pug you ever spoke to the lad in person? As like in "EVER"?

Sometimes personal interactions solves issues like this way quicker and easier than throwing official complaints around. Motorbikers are human beings, you can talk to them you know.

Pug2013

Yes thats his front door beyond the bike. He has a garden and docking area out the back of his apartment where he could lock it down securely.
And yes my gas mains emergency shutoff valve is there too.

faceman

Can see it from both sides here. Don't think it warrants throwing the book at the biker but at the same time due consideration should be given for him to move if a metre if being read.

It's not a fire or health & safety hazard FWIW

I'd talk to you neighbour in a friendly manner. Maybe he can contribute toward getting a transparent door on your meter box. My parents installed one on their own recently.

Paulw

faceman wrote: »

It's not a fire or health & safety hazard FWIW

How can you say that?

If it is blocking access to the gas meter, then it is a health and safety issue. The gas meter has an emergency cutoff valve on it (usually). Blocking access to that is definitely a safety issue.

If it's only an electric meter, then it's not the same issue, but the OP did say that the bike blocked access to both gas and electric meters.

faceman

Paulw wrote: »

How can you say that?

If it is blocking access to the gas meter, then it is a health and safety issue. The gas meter has an emergency cutoff valve on it (usually). Blocking access to that is definitely a safety issue.

If it's only an electric meter, then it's not the same issue, but the OP did say that the bike blocked access to both gas and electric meters.

Oops my bad. I missed the bit about blocking the gas meter

Cloudhopper

Pug2013 wrote: »

Yes thats his front door beyond the bike. He has a garden and docking area out the back of his apartment where he could lock it down securely.
And yes my gas mains emergency shutoff valve is there too.

That's a shame.

We all react differently to different things, I for once probably wouldn't worry about it too much (they debit the money they want, if there is a gas leak there i a main valve in the road, if the house is already on fire it doesn't matter anyway...) but then there are most likely things that'd tick me off that wouldn't bother you.

leeomurchu

Pug2013 wrote: »

First off its blocking getting my meters read but more importantly its a saftey issue as it does be left running and if there is a gas leak at all the whole place could go up.

I might be way off reading between the lines here but is you issue more to do with the bike being left to warm up in the mornings at silly o clock perhaps.

I've a couple of bikes left running like that near me and there's nothing worse. The worst offender has since binned his bike so the 5am scorpion shorty wake up call has gone

Either way if he's blocking access to your gas meter ask the man to move the bike you don't say which meter is yours.

McGixxer

I went round today and fixed the problem

Victor

leeomurchu wrote: »

Either way if he's blocking access to your gas meter ask the man to move the bike you don't say which meter is yours.

Let's not speculate who owns what meter.

Moderator

leeomurchu

Victor wrote: »

Let's not speculate who owns what meter.

Moderator

What do you mean by that??

I was simply pointing out that if his gas meter was the one near the front wheel of the bike then would it be an issue if the bike was moved back a meter.

Where were you going with your comment?

drunkmonkey

All we need now is some cider and things should really explode..

Seriously though folks no point bashing each other, if anyone is to be bashed it should be the "noob" with his tale of woe about exploding motorbikes that never leave home.

If I didn't know better i'd say the bike is probably haunted with puffy's ghost.

Victor

leeomurchu wrote: »

What do you mean by that??

Given the amount of muppetry I've had to delete on the thread, your post could be interpreted as speculating or inviting speculation as to which meter was which. This is inappropriate.

End of discussion. On-topic please.

Moderator

leeomurchu

Victor wrote: »

Given the amount of muppetry I've had to delete on the thread, your post could be interpreted as speculating or inviting speculation as to which meter was which. This is inappropriate.

End of discussion. On-topic please.

Moderator

Right you'd want to adjust how your addressing me sunshine.

My point was valid and reasonable. Is there need for me to report you!!

I'll choose when to end a conversation when someone refers to my comment as muppetry(ridiculous word) Moderator or not you'd want to be careful you don't get above your station sunny boy.

Boards really need to start clamping down on their moderators and their attitudes.

drunkmonkey

MadsL

jmayo

drunkmonkey wrote: »

Read the meter when the bikes gone. If your in fear of your house blowing up I'd start packing the bags.
Seriously though talk to the bike owner in person and tell him it's preventing your meter being read and would he mind locking it somewhere else.

drunkmonkey wrote: »

I don't think there's a safety issue, maybe with the welfare of the bike but not your own personal safety that's a nonsense excuse to make a complaint.
If there is an issue reading the meters will the ESB not do something about it? Can you not just read them in the 10% window.

drunkmonkey wrote: »

All we need now is some cider and things should really explode..

Seriously though folks no point bashing each other, if anyone is to be bashed it should be the "noob" with his tale of woe about exploding motorbikes that never leave home.

If I didn't know better i'd say the bike is probably haunted with puffy's ghost.

Let me guess you are a bike owner who lieks to leave their bike locked up under cover ?

Why should the OP have to accomodate the bike owner by looking for the 10% time window when the bike is gone to read their meter or switch off their gas ?

I just love the way some people, particularly Irish people, seem to think the ones being inconvenienced should fooking bend over and accommodate those doing the inconveniencing. :mad:
No wonder this country is fooked and the likes of Germany, Finland etc are not in the same sh**.

So far the OP is the one being given the grief here when they are in the bloody right.

And looking at the picture and the OP's story, there is a possible safety issue since the OP does not have access to their gas point.
Now I bet if you were one of the other residents, you would be the first one on complaining if all the gas to every resident had to be shut off, because one inconsiderate eejit had decided to lock his bike so that one single meter could not be accessed.

BTW leeomurchu would you mind going over to Politics and having a word with some of the mods over there for me.

mikemac1

Pug2013 wrote: »

After uploading picture now

picture.jpg

It is rightly in the way there and should be moved

But then we'll have another thread complaining if the bike takes up a full car parking space
And some Nissan Micra driver will probably try to squeeze into the space too!

The owner will find somewhere better but it will still probably be on the footpath in the estate if they can find an anchor like a railing

Leave a bike out in a car park space and the rain cover will be a sail in heavy wind and knock it over

And the boyos will be around with a Transit van, lift it in and be gone in under 2 minutes

So OP while the bike was in the way you can see why they they are not going to park it out in the open with the cars

drunkmonkey

jmayo wrote: »

Let me guess

I'd stick to the facts in future because your guessing skills are up there with flying pigs and exploding motorbikes.

Pawwed Rig

I am assuming that it is his own front door he is parked in front of as it looks like a town house set up more than an apartment block as such with shared entrances. If so then a quick chat with him asking him to park on the other side of the path would seem to be the logical solution as this would leave adequate space to open and close the meters.

Leaving the bike running beside a meter box is not a safety issue. Neither is partially blocking his own access path as some posters seem to think.
Calling the Guards or a fire officer about it is absurd as I would be shocked if they even bothered to talk to the bike owner never mind the fact that there is little they can do as it is on private land.

Does anyone here honestly believe that in the event of a gas leak where someone desperately had to open one of the doors (assuming there is a shutoff valve in there) that they would not be able to move the bike? They are not that heavy to lift even if chained.

So the safety brigade can stand down. Nothing to see here:D

corkimp

OP - Like others have said - talk to the biker face to face. Better then letters, and you can voice your concerns and also hear his.
You did mention he has a garden at the back of the house - is there access to it for him to possibly put the bike in there? or is only access to it through house? Or possibly somewhere where with permissions a Wall anchor can be fitted for him to chain/secure it and is reasonably visible (to him) and sheltered?
yes I can understand it can be an inconvenience, but I do suggest chatting to him directly. If that fails then you tried. Then go for advise from property management or whatnot.
Let us know how it goes.

smellslikeshoes

djimi wrote: »

How is it any less likely to get stolen where it is currently parked (unless its bolted to the wall, which I very much doubt)? I doubt a potential thief is going to care that its right beside the front door...

Having almost had my bike robbed when it was parked against the wall of a house I lived in a few years ago I can vouch for the fact that it won't stop them trying to take it. The difference is because it was parked right under my bedroom window I was woken up, they heard me coming down the stairs and ran for it.

LK KID

victor I'm gonna send puffy over to you for deleting my posts.i also own a red Ducati so watch out.

drunkmonkey

Puffy paid the price yo. You know, he got the wrath. Rest in peace Puffy.

jimgoose

Frankly, I am outraged by all the outrageous outrage at this outrage. Down with this sort of thing. :eek:

Bored of Force v4

Bussies for the lot of ye...car focus ferrari brmmmm brmmm:D

kkhornet

jimgoose wrote: »

Frankly, I am outraged by all the outrageous outrage at this outrage. Down with this sort of thing. :eek:

Careful Now

rccaulfield

If the bikes there hes in-ask him to move it to shut off valve/take reading,if bikes not there take the reading. Did i miss somethin?

rdubz

Any luck with the motorcycle being moved elsewhere?

rdubz

Pawwed Rig wrote: »

I am assuming that it is his own front door he is parked in front of as it looks like a town house set up more than an apartment block as such with shared entrances. If so then a quick chat with him asking him to park on the other side of the path would seem to be the logical solution as this would leave adequate space to open and close the meters.

Leaving the bike running beside a meter box is not a safety issue. Neither is partially blocking his own access path as some posters seem to think.
Calling the Guards or a fire officer about it is absurd as I would be shocked if they even bothered to talk to the bike owner never mind the fact that there is little they can do as it is on private land.

Does anyone here honestly believe that in the event of a gas leak where someone desperately had to open one of the doors (assuming there is a shutoff valve in there) that they would not be able to move the bike? They are not that heavy to lift even if chained.

So the safety brigade can stand down. Nothing to see here:D

I think the Fire Service and HSA would dispute your last comment.If that's the case that its easily moved we might as well block emergency exit doors with cardboard boxes,there easily moved aren't they?Where does this stop.Do you like to give emergency services more work to do which could cost someone their life while they're trying to move a motorcycle to gain access to the gas cut off?

RATM

rdubz wrote: »

I think the Fire Service and HSA would dispute your last comment.If that's the case that its easily moved we might as well block emergency exit doors with cardboard boxes,there easily moved aren't they?Where does this stop.Do you like to give emergency services more work to do which could cost someone their life while they're trying to move a motorcycle to gain access to the gas cut off?

Ah jaysis :rolleyes: The same fire brigade who carry cutting equipment that can cut a cars engine in half if it has to ? Goog jesus it is is motorbike, all they would have to do it make sure it is in neutral and roll it backwards- bike don't have handbrakes like cars do so it is easily moved. Failing that it is easily lifted- trust me I've had my bike lifted into the back of a van as a method of theft- if the average scumbag can work that one out I am 100% certain the lads in the fire brigade can.

This whole thread is a farce, the OP should have just had a word with the guy to begin with rather than getting the mgmt co. to issue threats. Most bikers are really sound and laid back people and can be reasoned with rationally. Thing is he is trying to protect his bike in the best way possible so what he is doing is understandable (even if against a house rule).

This whole problem stems from the fact that developers of apartments generally never thought of motorbikers or cyclists in their designs. A lot of complexes I know have no bike sheds whatsoever. So if someone parks a bike on a footpath then all hell breaks loose.

I've personally have had my motorbike stolen twice from outside my apartment. Both times cost me in excess of €1000 in repairs and a lot of unnecessary heartache and inconvenience. The mgmt co. do not have an electronic gate or CCTV and anyone can just walk into the complex. So now they are on notice to be sued if my bike gets nicked for the third occasion as I've informed them by solicitors letter of the problem and also given them the chance to rectify it by installing an electronic gate and CCTV. They have decided to do neither which is their pejorative but I'm reliably informed that I have a slam dunk legal win if it happens again as I've given them the opportunity to sort the problem out and they chose not to, thus neglecting their legal duty of care, something a judge will take very seriously. If it does happen it'll mean higher management fees for all my neighbours and nobody wants that but nobody wants to live in fear of their property being stolen on a consistent basis either. Cars have been broken into too so it isn't just me who stands to gain if their hand is forced into installing a gate and CCTV, its the entire complex.

rdubz

I merely pointed out the H+S aspect of things as I worked in the sector.The OP also stated that it was locked to the path 90% of the time,so not easily moved as you said.My main point on this thread was to clarify to all that Yes it is a H+S issue and there's no disputing that.Emergency Services don't take kindly to this sort of blatant disregard for safety,there is a cut off there for a reason and it should not be blocked,end of.
I wonder would the biker have an issue if the ES/FB push the bike on the ground as they could not move it due to being locked down,therefore causing damage.
Not all FB's carry emergency cutting equipment.
Not anti-bike,and I understand the issue of them being stolen but its still no excuse to be in violation of H+S,it shows very little respect for those who someday might have to help you out (hopefully not ).

jd

RATM wrote: »

The mgmt co. do not have an electronic gate or CCTV and anyone can just walk into the complex. So now they are on notice to be sued if my bike gets nicked for the third occasion as I've informed them by solicitors letter of the problem and also given them the chance to rectify it by installing an electronic gate and CCTV. ..
If it does happen it'll mean higher management fees for all my neighbours and nobody wants that but nobody wants to live in fear of their property being stolen on a consistent basis either..

2 points about this
1: It costs money to install CCTV. We paid an additional 150 euros a year over the course of 5 years to fit out the complex properly. It may not be easy to get owners (the OMC) to agree to this sort of capital expenditure these days.

2: I know in Fingal it's nearly impossible for apartment complexes to get planning permission for electronic gates. It stated in FCC's development plan that they are not to be encouraged as they discourage "social inclusion". I'm not sure what the policy is in other local authority areas.

djimi

RATM wrote: »

Ah jaysis :rolleyes: The same fire brigade who carry cutting equipment that can cut a cars engine in half if it has to ? Goog jesus it is is motorbike, all they would have to do it make sure it is in neutral and roll it backwards- bike don't have handbrakes like cars do so it is easily moved. Failing that it is easily lifted- trust me I've had my bike lifted into the back of a van as a method of theft- if the average scumbag can work that one out I am 100% certain the lads in the fire brigade can.

In fairness if you are dealing with an emergency that requires access to something like a gas shutoff valve then Id not want to see the emergency services delayed for even a few seconds, regardless of how easy it might be to remove the obsticle (and by the looks of the pic that the OP posted it wouldnt just take a couple of seconds to move the bike). I dont care what the reasoning behind it, nothing should ever be parked over any kind of safety shutoffs or anything that is required by teh emergency services.