RE parking minimums: http://graphingparking.com/2013/01/25/residential-parking-re...

A similar issue is street sizes in the US are much larger than in countries with good transit and walkability. Anecdotal, but compare image searches for "American Street" and "Japanese Street". Not only is the driving area of the streets much narrower, on street parking doesn't really exists in Japanese cities. This contributes alot to the walking experience.

"japan street" https://www.google.com/search?q=japan+street&espv=2&biw=1440...

"american street" https://www.google.com/search?q=american+street&espv=2&biw=1...

We put 25mph signs and crosswalks across ridiculously wide streets that encourage people to do 40+mph and wonder why so many people die.

Of course, auto safety standards that worry only about the occupants of the vehicle, and not whoever they hit, don't help either.

There's a book called "The high cost of free parking" by Donald Shoup that's the bible for this subject, but it is more than 700 pages.

One of his popular journalism articles might be a better place to start: http://www.shoupdogg.com/journalism/

The High Cost of Free Parking is a good start. Meanwhile, minimums also have a terrible effect on the cost of housing, which is explored in more depth here:

http://www.portlandoregon.gov/bps/article/420062