Drivers warned of tickets if downtown Topeka parking change disregarded

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Drivers have been warned they will be ticketed if they disregard a new change to parking in downtown Topeka.

On Thursday morning, Aug. 31, Shawnee County officials told 13 NEWS that a change has come to parking in downtown Topeka and tickets will start to be issued.

On the east side of the 700 and 600 blocks of Quincy St., vehicles are required to park in the parking stalls, which are closest to the sidewalk and while bikers use the lane between the parking spots and the lanes of traffic. The west side of the street has seen a change.

Those headed in this direction will notice the bike lane is now switched to the side of the street closest to the sidewalk while vehicles are expected to park in the stalls between the bike lane and the lanes of traffic.

County officials told 13 NEWS that city workers are set to ticket those who park in the bike lane on the west side of the street and drivers should be aware. Meanwhile, bikers should keep an eye out for sewage grates in the lane.

“People need to be aware that the bike lanes have been added to Quincy between 6th and 8th and that depending on where you’re at, your parking space has been changed,” said Director of Facilities Management, Nelda Henning. “So, you may not be parking up against a curb, you may be parking more towards the middle of the street.”

Bikers said that it’s a good balance.

“Bicyclists have a safe separated space to operate in and then cars that are driving still have the traffic lanes as well as parking facilities,” said local bike advocate, Andy Fry. “The parking facilities offer a dual opportunity to act as a buffer between an active lane of traffic and where bicyclists are operating.”

Officials did not release a reason for the change.

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