« New Casino in the Works | Main | Paper Boy MIA »
February 17, 2007
Back-In Parking Inventor Visits Chico
 |
| Yesterday the inventor of "back in diagonal parking"
visited Chico to see how the experiment
was going (shown above executing a "back in" maneuver). This parking method is now used around the new Downtown Plaza. I had
an opportunity for
a short
interview
with
him. Q: Mr. Johnson, back-in diagonal parking has been said to be safer for cyclists, can you elaborate on that? A: Please, call me Sparky. I never even considered cyclists when I invented this parking technique. I've just always had a strong emotional draw to the backs of cars. I find them pleasing and exciting to chase. Q: I'm confused Sparky, we were told parking this way would make for a safer community. Is that not true? A: Well I'm not sure if it provides for more safety, but it definitely makes a more friendly community. After all, it is universally appealing to be greeted from behind, and so the cars have their backsides oriented inward toward the plaza to amplify this reality. Q: Sparky, are there any other planning recommendations you would give to Chico's city planners? A: Honestly, I would say your public art is too human-centric. There are small changes you could make that would really spice up the community. For example, placing a giant tennis ball in one of the "hand sculptures" by City Hall would be a great start. |
Posted by Lon at February 17, 2007 12:00 AM