Everybody used to know how. It was part of Driver ED. It was on the Driver’s Test. People were proud of their ability to do it, or ashamed at their failure at it. I took great pride in my ability to parallel park, even with a stick shift, even on a steep hill, or a curve! I could get into some really narrow spots, usually on one or at most two tries. And I could do it any car, even one I borrowed or rented.

But it just occurred to me, I haven’t parallel parked in years. I don’t even know if I still can. What happened? Have we been gradually redesigning our streetscapes so it’s no longer necessary? Has parking on the street been banned and we all park in lots and garages now? How did this sneak up on me?

I need some feedback on this. Is it just me?