While parallel parking may not be everyone’s favorite driving maneuver, it holds a special place in Dan Leber’s heart.
Leber, the founder of the Pittsburgh Parallel Parking Championship, witnessed a significant increase in participation from 30 contestants in the inaugural event in 2021 to nearly 200 competitors this year.
Although watching people park may seem mundane, Leber assures that the competition is filled with excitement. Participants navigate their vehicles into tight parking spots, aiming for points based on precision, speed, and flair.
To add a twist, Leber uses his and his wife’s cars as markers for the contestants, despite the occasional minor damages incurred. According to Leber, the spirit of the event outweighs any concerns about vehicle scratches.
A recent ICBC survey revealed that parallel parking ranks as the most dreaded driving skill. CBC’s Gurpreet Kambo, who shares this sentiment, joined driving instructor Sean McDonald to uncover the secrets of proficient parallel parking.
Apart from Pittsburgh, other cities like Portland and Philadelphia have also embraced parallel parking competitions.
Leber takes pride in providing a lighthearted yet competitive platform for adults to engage in friendly rivalry. In an interview with As It Happens host Nil Köksal, he delved into his passion for parallel parking.
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