In 2021, Los Angeles introduced a plan to replace parallel parking spots on Ventura Boulevard with angled back-in-only parking. This change stirred up quite a debate.
Why the Change?
Supporters say the new angled parking design uses space more efficiently, increasing the number of parking spots by 25%. This could be a big win for local businesses, giving more customers a place to park.
Safety is also a big selling point. Cyclists benefit because drivers won’t open their car doors into bike lanes. Plus, backing into a spot means drivers can pull out with a better view of oncoming traffic, reducing the risk of accidents.
But What About Congestion?
Some worry that drivers stopping to back into spots could cause traffic jams. However, experts argue that it’s no worse than the slowdowns caused by drivers backing out of parking spots, often without a clear view of approaching cars.
How It Works
When pulling into a spot, drivers are instructed to signal into the bike lane, stop, and reverse into an empty spot. It’s not a perfect system — after all, cyclists still have to share the bike lane with larger vehicles — but now that the project is complete, what’s the verdict?
The Verdict
It works! A study from North Carolina State University found that back-in parking significantly reduces the risk of collisions. The study noted that 90% of serious injuries in parking lots happened during back-out maneuvers. Since cars are usually longer in the back, backing into a spot gives drivers a quicker, clearer view when leaving, making it safer overall.
