Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Livable Streets

Sidewalk Parking Opponents Gain Ground in . . . Where?

26656791.jpg

It is hard to tell exactly where the sidewalk meets the street above, where cars dominate the streetscape and wreck the pedestrian experience. Maybe that's what's to be expected in Los Angeles, where the photo was taken.

As you can see, the upper row of cars are parked to straddle the curb (front wheels on the sidewalk, rear ends hanging into the street) while those in the bottom row are parked all the way on the sidewalk. None other than Michael Dukakis and Donald Shoup are waging a campaign to end this form of parking, which (guess what?) is illegal but unenforced.

Residents have turned apron parking into an intricately choreographed dance of cooperation and communication. A student attending class might leave extra keys behind so his car can be moved to let other vehicles out. Or another who vacates a spot might ask a roommate to park there until he returns. ...

The prospect of losing spaces leaves students with few options.

"People are really worried," Zai said. "Students figure, 'If I can pay for it and I have a car, I should be allowed to park here.' That's going to have to change."

But Dukakis believes that the changes will make the streets around the campus safer.

"You can't get fire equipment out there. Beyond that, you can barely walk on the sidewalk," Dukakis said. "And for years, no one had done anything about it. It's crazy."

The story contains this nugget: Dukakis found a ticket agent who refused to ticket the cars. When he suggested that the offending parkers could take the bus instead, "She looked at me like I had 10 heads or something."

(Photo by Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

New Air Quality Stats Dispel Earlier Forecasts for Congestion Pricing Pollution

Air quality has improved or remained steady across the five boroughs since congestion pricing launched in January, city health department data showed.

July 7, 2025

New ‘Rush’ Routes Launch With Queens Overhaul More Than Five Years in the Making

The MTA's new "rush" routes make fewer stops in busy downtown areas to avoid wasted time merging in and out of traffic.

July 7, 2025

Monday’s Headlines: Run This Town Edition

The 34th Street busway is the latest casualty of the mayor's lack of a spine on transportation issues. Plus more news.

July 7, 2025

Beach Reading: Zohran Mamdani’s Answers to Streetsblog’s Mayoral Candidate Survey

Spend the holiday weekend with Zohran Mamdani's answers to Streetsblog's mayoral candidate questionnaire.

July 4, 2025

Friday Video: Why NYC Needs ‘Low-Traffic Neighborhoods’

London's Church Street, like so many of our business corridors, was choking on cars — until the advent of the low-traffic neighborhood.

July 4, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: E-Bikes in Parks … Permanently Edition

The Parks Department will permanently allow e-bikes in city parks following a two-year pilot. Plus more news.

July 4, 2025
See all posts