How to Park Downhill on the Left Side of the Street (Front of Bike Facing Street)?

[rhdsmnd]

I'm in SF and there's a nice set of parking spots on the left side of a downhill one-way street. Every bike I see is miraculously parked facing the street, but when I try (busy street) to back into the spot (I make a semi-right turn until I'm somewhat perpendicular to traffic, then try to back into the spot), the bike will not move backward when I pull it with me due to the hill. I end up bailing because it's a busy street. I'm strong enough to move it on flat surfaces, but the hill makes it tough for me to move.

 

[ElHombreDorado]

work out.

 

[sckego]

Hold the front brake and compress the forks. Release the brake and use the spring to bounce the bike backwards. Repeat as necessary.

 

[Gary856]

Get off the bike to push it.

 

[firewatch]

If it's not TOO steep I'd try to make a hard left U-turn, and then you can back in easily. There's a method with the clutch to back in downhill, nice and controlled.

What street is this? I'd like to check it out, make some attempts and report back with my easiest result. I also understand if it's your super secret squirrel shit parking location and you don't want to give it away :laughing

 

[Mechanikrazy]

I would hop off the bike and just push it back after you get it set up perpendicular. It will be a lot faster than trying to back it in while sitting on it.

If you buy a tall bike, it will be a necessary habit to develop.

 

[DannoXYZ]

As you’re approaching spot and turning right, turn more so you’re facing back uphill slightly. So instead of perpendicular to kerb, aim for 45-degrees towards uphill. Then use gravity to help you back up into spot.

 

[sanjuro]

I also wouldn't worry about delaying traffic on the street. People wait for drivers parking their cars, they will wait for a rider.

 

[MapleRoad]

I also wouldn't worry about delaying traffic on the street. People wait for drivers parking their cars, they will wait for a rider.

In what magical land have you found this wondrous behavior?

 

[rhdsmnd]

Thanks for the advice guys; it's on leavenworth & jones left side of the street. I get nervous delaying traffic because I don't want to get hit, maybe this is me being too cautious.

 

[thepretender]

Your invisible out there you can never be too cautious.

 

[firewatch]

From what G maps shows the streets run parallel. What's the nearest intersection? Just really curious about what my actual real-life solution would be when I see it, and then share :thumbup

 

[rhdsmnd]

jones & post, on the right side if you're coming down post

 

[splat]

Stop the bike, put the side stand down, get off the bike and stand on the left side, pull the bike back into whatever spot you need.

That's not a particularly hard street to park on and the hill isn't steep. It just takes practice.

 

[firewatch]

I parked there about an hour ago. Turned wide right from Post onto Jones, and continued into a sharp right in front of the parking spots. If you don't get the bike perfectly perpendicular in the street it can be a challenge to do the reverse duck walk. Also use the front brake to sink the forks down as you stop, and pull back and duck walk as you release the brake.

If you're nervous about traffic I would stop in front of the first parked bike, wait until cross traffic gets a fresh green light, and then get into the left lane to park. Then you'll have a little more comfort sticking the front wheel across the entire lane. Hope this helps!