New bicycle parking law catching cyclists off guard - Live5News.com | Charleston, SC | News, Weather, Sports

The City of Charleston is cracking down on illegal parking for bicycles. An ordinance, which passed in October, took effect on Friday. The Charleston Police Department says since Friday, they have impounded at least 26 bikes.

The law bans the securing of bicycles to parking meters, stop signs, street lights and trees on King Street between Calhoun and Spring.

Richard Napolitano learned about the law just in time.

"There he is right there."

During Napolitano's interview with Live 5 News, two Charleston city police officers arrived in the area. While they bypassed Napolitano, they spotted another bike in front of a yoga studio. The young woman who had parked a few minutes earlier was told she had to move it.

"They're serious about it, so don't tie up," says Napolitano. "Thank you so much for alerting to the problem. I guess we're just going to have to find someplace else to put it."

The officers moved on to a bike in front of Halls Chophouse. After removing it from the lock, they added it to the others.

City officials say in preparation for this law, they added 100 more parking spaces for bikes. They say the one-year pilot program is to make the sidewalks safer for pedestrians.

The cost of reclaiming an impounded bicycle is a $45 storage fee.