Why should we care about where we park? According toepidemiologist Michael Garber, the answer goes far beyond convenience. In his conversation with Wendy on this People and Projects episode on the Streets and People podcast, he reveals a surprising connection between parking policy and community health. Parking lots aren't just empty space, they contribute to the urban heat island effect, reduce green areas, increase flooding risk, and deepen car dependency. These design choices fuel air pollution, traffic injuries, inactivity, and even social isolation. Worse still, they hit vulnerable communities hardest, compounding inequity. Garber makes a compelling case: rethinking how we plan and price parking isn't just about urban design - it’s a public health intervention. If city leaders and individuals act with health in mind, we can build greener, safer, more equitable places for everyone.
Here's Michael's article, Parking & Public Health (open access): https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40572-024-00465-4
If you'd like to know more about Michael, check out his website https://michaeldgarber.github.io