Michigan State University holds off on moped parking changes

EAST LANSING - Planned changes to moped parking at Michigan State University are being delayed after student pushback.

Students who use mopeds can continue to park at bike racks next to campus buildings through the 2017-18 school year. A plan announced in April would have required moped riders to park in designated spaces on campus beginning this fall.

Related: 

MSU moving mopeds to make way for bikes

That's been pushed back and is now planned for the 2018-19 school year, according to Cpt. Doug Monette, public information officer with the Michigan State University Police Department.

"We want to make people aware that this is a process, and we’re rolling it out in phases," Monette said. 

A Change.org petition against the changes started by MSU student Jack Viazanko in April has garnered more than 5,100 signatures. Students also voiced their concerns during an All University Traffic and Transportation Committee meeting in April.

While riders can still park near bike racks, they'll be required to walk their mopeds on the sidewalk. Failure to do so could result in a ticket, with fines being set by a 54-B District Court judge.

Students are required to register their mopeds with the MSU police parking office and pay a $50 fee ahead of the fall semester. Those who park unregistered mopeds at bike racks after Oct. 1 could receive a $25 ticket. Mopeds, like other vehicles parked on campus, could be towed if an owner has six or more outstanding tickets, Monette said. 

Viazanko said he's glad MSU is delaying the parking changes. He isn't thrilled about having to pay $50 to register his moped. Moped registration previously was encouraged, but not required, though the fee was between $103 and $127, depending on where a student lived. 

"Doing parking one year later gives ASMSU and other people concerned about this time to take a stand and continue to push against it," Viazanko said. 

ASMSU President Lorenzo Santavicca discussed the policy reversal with John Prush, a deputy director with MSU police in a video released Wednesday. 

Santavicca said he was glad student voices were heard and that university officials responded by delaying the parking requirements. 

"This really struck a nerve with students," Santavicca said of the April announcement. "The administration is listening now to what students are saying about this."

Students who wish to register mopeds at MSU must also register with the Secretary of State. MSU registration for the 2017-18 school year opens on July 12. 

Contact RJ Wolcott at (517) 377-1026 or rwolcott@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @wolcottr.