Obstructing or Impeding Movement of Pedestrian - No Crosswalk

[fizzmix]

My question involves a traffic citation from the state of: Maryland

I received a ticket last night for "Obstruct/Impeding Movement of Pedestrian" while parked on the corner near my house. Under remarks, the officer stated "Blocking H/C Ramp." Now, the sidewalk DOES dip down into a ramp-like formation, but there is not a crosswalk or a yellow/blue curb. There also is not a sign stating you can not park in that area.

Is it worth it for me to send in a letter/request for investigation? The back of my ticket says "If you intend to request an investigation on the basis that the meter was not functioning properly or that signs were not properly posted, please attach a detailed statement of facts to the citation by the payment due date."

[bruinPE]

A crosswalk doesn't need to be marked to be considered a crosswalk. The sidewalk dipping down into a ramp-like formation, most likely is a handicapped curb ramp (if you had a photo or gave us the name of the intersection for Google Street View, we could quickly clear that point up). They don't need a sign prohibting parking in the area if it is considered an unmarked crosswalk. What section did they cite you for? I would imagine it would be:

21-1003. Stopping, standing, or parking prohibited in specified places.

(e) Crosswalks.- A person may not stop, stand, or park a vehicle on a crosswalk.

[fizzmix]

It is the corner of W Randall St and Race St (Baltimore, 21230). Ifyou look at Google maps, I was parked behind the Jeep. The ticket doesn't have a citation number, just "Violation Code 5" and then under that is the "Obstruct/Impeding Movement of Pedestrian"

[aaron]

That's here. So the back of your car was across the sidewalk and partially or wholly blocking the ramp?

[fizzmix]

I was fully blocking it- had I known I couldn't park there I wouldn't have, it's not like parking is scarce when I get home from work. I was just trying to get as close to the corner as I could to take up as little space as possible since city parking is a pain.

[flyingron]

Any blocking of it is illegal. Parking convenience is secondary to pedestrian (especially those with disabilities) access.

[fizzmix]

Even if there isn't a sign posted and there isn't anything to walk to on the other side of the road? (it's just railroad tracks). There is another "handicapped access" on the other side of that same corner