By FastFred
Struggling college students and employees got a rude awakening Thursday February 15, 2006 as a thirty year tradition came to a sudden end. Management employees of Republic Parking Services informed motorcyclists they could no longer park for free at the Wentworth Parking Garage owned by the city of Charleston. No advance warning or explanation of the change of policy was given at the time of notice.
Ever since the city built the parking garages near the college of Charleston in the 1970s motorcycle have been allowed free parking in the leftover areas cars could not use. Encouraging motorcycle commuting in the city could help reduce traffic congestion and parking problems.
A person at 843-568-8519, the number on the flyer below, stated the College of Charleston decided to change the policy and begin enforcement. He further explained that the college owns the garage but lets the city manage it; the city in turn hires Republic Parking Services to actually manage the garage. Looking at this layout explains why local government is so inefficient and why property taxes continue to rise.
The College of Charleston Parking Services contradicted Republic Parking Services. According to the College only motorcycles parking in regular car spaces are required to pay the full fee just like a car.
Motorcyclists are working with the college in an effort to arrive at the fairest compromise possible. The college currently charges motorcycles and cars park outside $100 per year to employees and $100 per semester to students. Motorcycles occupy less space than cars. Considering the average motorcycle uses a quarter of the space of a car $25 would result in the same charge per square foot used. Motorcycle parking at the college is currently designated to a small area unusable by cars.
The college and city have discussed and begun new policies to reduce the impact of cars with the use of perimeter parking and carta buses. However encouraging commuting by motorcycle could also reduce the number of cars park in the city and help reduce traffic congestion. Sections of the garages are not usable by cars but could accommodate motorcycles out of the weather could be also designated as permit motorcycle parking as the current PP lot cannot provide enough parking for all of the motorcyclists attending the College of Charleston.
My life has been a dedicated blend of open road adventure and relentless advocacy for motorcyclists’ rights. I'm "Fast Fred" Ruddock, and my journey on two wheels began as a teenager. Over the years, I’ve owned 13 Harleys and several other motorcycles, machines that were far more than just transportation. They represented a freedom that I have fought to protect. Recognizing the power of information, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, skills I immediately put to use for the movement.
My commitment to advocacy led me to a complete immersion in ABATE of South Carolina (ABATE of SC). I quickly moved through the ranks, starting by developing the ABATE of SC website in 2001 and serving as the Berkeley/Dorchester Chapter Coordinator. This progressed to serving as Lowcountry Area Coordinator, where I successfully shifted our local focus decisively toward rights and rapidly increased membership. From 2003 to 2007, I served as the State Coordinator, where I helped coordinate several key legislative victories, including the passage of the Purple Heart license tag bill and the successful repeal of unnecessary handlebar height restrictions. My primary strategic goal was always to achieve widespread political influence by organizing a chapter in every single county.
On the national front, I extended my influence by serving as the State Representative on the board of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) for several years during the 2000s. This role ensured that the concerns of South Carolina riders were directly represented in critical federal legislative discussions. Crucially, I also worked to shape public opinion: I wrote articles related to motorcycle rights for various magazines and had a small column in Easyriders magazine for several years, using media to educate riders nationwide on the issues impacting their freedom.
My activism was not only about lobbying but also direct action and constitutional challenges. I participated in the Myrtle Beach civil disobedience against local helmet laws, contributing to the legal groundwork for the eventual overturning of that restrictive law through a landmark SC Supreme Court case. I also challenged helmet laws personally, fighting three tickets in court as an act of civil disobedience in several states. I lobbied in multiple state capitols with me friends across the country. My dedication continued after my ABATE leadership, as I served as the Director of Bikers Of Less Tolerance (BOLT) of South Carolina.
Today, while I also enjoy working as a river guide and sharing my travel adventures, my legacy remains rooted in the fight for motorcycle freedom. I have spent decades on the front lines, utilizing both political strategy, legal challenges, and national media to protect the rights of every person on two wheels.
I'm a professional whitewater guide and kayak instructor. I grew up rafting, sailing, and surfing, and I spend my North American summers guiding on world-class whitewater. I have spent much of my adult life riding motorcycles and paddling kayaks.
Raft with me: Check out Fast Fred Rafts for details.
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