Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In

"Minimum parking requirements act like a fertility drug for cars," Donald Shoup wrote in his celebrated investigation of parking economics, The High Cost of Free Parking. The above video, from the city of Ottawa, does a good job explaining exactly why that is and the problems it causes.

Ottawa commissioned the animation to explain why its 1960s-era parking regulations need rethinking if the city is going to be a walkable place. But the same principles apply to cities everywhere.

Hat tip: City Obseratory

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Streetsblog’s ‘Car-Free Carolers’ Bring the Joy, Mirth and Ho-Ho-Hope to this Holiday Season

Streetsblog's singers are back, belting out their parody classics to make a serious point: New York's roadways don't have to be dangerous places for kids and lungs, but can be joyous spaces for people to walk around, shop, eat or just ... hang out.

December 18, 2025

Study: More Protected Bike Lanes = More Micromobility Users

This ought to silence doubters who claim that no one's using that shiny new cycle track.

December 18, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines Are Hot-Blooded, Check It and See

Hopefully the Earth won't have a fever of 103 when judges get done with the Trump administration's proposal to dismantle greenhouse gas regulations.

December 18, 2025

Denver Activists Hijack Road Signs To Decry The Dangers of Automobility

Plus: a few suggestions for holiday-themed hackers.

December 17, 2025

Which of Wednesday’s Headlines Came First?

A lot of Americans don't love driving, but really don't have much of a choice.

December 17, 2025

The Real Reason America Can’t Have The Tiny Japanese-Style Cars Trump Says He Wants

Trump is right that kei cars are super-kawaii — but he's wrong that clearing the regulatory decks is enough to bring them to U.S. shores.

December 16, 2025
See all posts