Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Parking

Cartoon Donald Shoup Explains How Planning for Cars Ruins Cities

This is a pretty great animation explaining how American cities were undermined by a slavish dedication to storing and moving cars. It's by comedian Adam Conover from TruTV's "Adam Ruins Everything," who also made this great video explaining the screwed up origin of the word "jaywalking."

The best part may be the animated version of parking guru Donald Shoup, author of "The High Cost of Free Parking."

Television comedians preaching urbanism? We hope this is part of a trend.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Agenda 2026: Will Zohran Mamdani’s Left-Progressive Backers Mobilize for Faster Buses?

The new mayor must mobilize the coalition that got him elected if he wants to avoid his recent predecessors' failure to speed up buses.

December 1, 2025

‘Easy Win’: Uptowners Want To Keep Deteriorating Henry Hudson Parkway Off-Ramp Car-Free

The shuttered off-ramp off the Henry Hudson Parkway has become a draw for local residents.

December 1, 2025

Memo to Mamdani: When It Comes to Faster Buses, The Challenge Is Political

The solutions for faster bus service are obvious — it’s the politics that always get in the way, writes a former MTA bus official.

December 1, 2025

Monday’s Headlines: Canal Street This Time Edition

More violent battles in public space. Plus other news.

December 1, 2025

Not So Fast! We Rode NYC Ferry with Would-Be Council Speaker Amanda Farías

Council Member Julie Menin claims she has the votes to be the next Speaker, but Bronx Council Member Amanda Farías has shown a lot more interest in livable streets issues.

November 28, 2025

Book Excerpt Special: Jonathan Lethem’s ‘Program’s Progress’

Class struggle. Infirm secondary superheroes. Suicidal sheep. It’s all in Jonathan Lethem's new collection of short stories, "A Different Kind of Tension." Here's one — featuring class struggle with cars!

November 28, 2025
See all posts