What's the "P" setting on the ignition switch for?

[red66stang]

My flat, where i had to leave my bike in front of a convenience store for 2 full days, brought this up. Anyways, knowing my bike would be in a very public place for a few days, I turned my key to the steering lock as the best theft protection measure I had. Anyways, I guess I turned it a notch past that to a setting on my ignition switch marked with a "P" that left the rear light on for 2 days killing my battery. What's the point of that setting? I can't think of a time where I'd want to be away from my bike with the keys out and have a tail light on.

[allawybiker]

Actually, it is a safety light for when you stop on the side of the road at night, it just ensures that cars will see you - hopefully - without having to have your headlight on.

[iwannadie]

ya its Park. incase you need to be at a stop while on the bike you dont want to sit in the dark, the parking light helps. its not ment to sit in park without you on it though of course. ive used it a few times picking up my gf at night id have to wait. dont want to leave the bike running more than a few minutes and dont want to waste battery for the headlight so put it in Park.