I read with more than passing interest that the City Council had further discussions on expanding the ever popular “back in” parking in other parts of town. Fortunately, it seemed to gain minimal traction for expansion. I want you to know that I am all in favor of trying new things that improve driving experience and convenience. I lived in a city where “round-a-bouts” were introduced with some fair amount of angst, but it worked out okay in the end. But “back in” parking runs totally against the grain of firmly entrenched driving habits. Pretty sure that’s why most people hate/avoid parallel parking unless they can pull in front first. For full disclosure I have attempted this new parking procedure on Center Street several times with consistent results. I was lousy at getting between the lines; held up traffic with re-positioning my car to avoid hitting parked cars; and narrowly missed getting my front end smacked by another driver who apparently thought they had waited long enough.

That being said, wherever one might stand on whether “back-in parking” is a good or bad idea, I have but one question to pose to our City Council. The next time this subject comes up for discussion I would like them to individually respond to this: When you drive home this evening do you plan to back your vehicle off the street into your driveway and/or back your car into the garage? It’s a better idea, right?