By FastFred Ruddock
Once again Mayor Joe Riley and the City of Charleston are discriminating upon a minority. While Charleston suffers a severe lack of parking and major traffic congestion the city leaders choose to spit in the face of reason by discouraging the use of motorcycles. Worst still struggling college students feel the brunt of the intolerance most. Wednesday April 25, 2007 motorcyclists found notes on their motorcycles left by Republic Parking Systems.
This unsigned notice was left on motorcycles in city garage
The above note appears disingenuous considering the city has allowed motorcycles to park in some garages for over thirty years such as the one now in question. However I first began to notice motorcycle parking being prohibited in a few city parking garages in the tourist section of town near the Market during the late 1990's. Furthermore Mayor Riley's negative statements regarding motorcycles and motorcyclists prior to the first Heritage Motorcycle Rally seem to imply a pattern of intended discrimination towards a segment of our population.
Prior to and during the 1960's another segment of our population was targeted with similar unfair and discriminatory policies. However there are now federal and state laws prohibiting such policies. Dwight Potter states "The new policy is in response to the increased liability that the City faces with motorcycles not always being detected on the loops and the potential of the gate coming down and injuring the rider." If this were truly the case the City and Republic Parking Systems have had adequate time to remedy the problem and replace the defective equipment. Blaming the victim and punishing the victim for their inaction is wrong and immoral.
During the 1960's similar disingenuous statements and tactics were used by those supporting Jim Crow laws. Such as then Governor Ernest F. Hollings statement that sit-ins at lunch counters "are purely to create violence and not to promote anyone's rights," as reported by the Rock Hill Evening Herald. It would appear that some in power still feel they are above the law and able to use questionable social engineering tactics to determine to whom public services will be provided within their jurisdictions based upon personal preferences or prejudices.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed under the Commerce Clause is far reaching and prohibits discrimination in public facilities, in government, and in employment. The City parking garages fall under this act as public facilities and as government owned. All new traffic sensors installed by SCDOT now detect motorcycles so the weak excuse given in the notice holds no water. Federal law clearly supports the rights of the disenfranchised motorcyclists.
South Carolina General Statute 45-9-10 provides all persons are entitled to equal enjoyment of and privileges to public accommodations and further states this to be "supported by state action." Federal and state law both support the position of the motorcyclists. It seems the City is risking legal action.
However the vexing parking problems of the City of Charleston seem reason enough for a reversal of policy. While the mayor and college claim to seek parking solutions they are clearly overlooking motorcycles. Riders should not be punished for their mode of transportation especially when it results in less impact to parking and traffic. one would hope justice will prevail prior to legal action and all the associated costs of civil action. Yet based upon past history and continuing discrimination and genification of the city the outlook for a return to commonsense is not likely to come without a fight.
Those interested in organizing to oppose the anti-motorcyclist agenda of the City of Charleston are encouraged to join a new list server with the form below:
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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