Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
South Korea's Cheonggyecheon stream and park used to be a highway. Photo: ##https://www.flickr.com/photos/25869929@N03/2468502996##Michael Sotnikov/flickr##
South Korea's Cheonggyecheon stream and park used to be a highway. Photo: ##https://www.flickr.com/photos/25869929@N03/2468502996##Michael Sotnikov/flickr##
false

Quick quiz: What city is the world leader in highway teardowns? San Francisco? Portland? Madrid?

Wrong, wrong, wrong. It's Seoul, South Korea, which has removed 15 urban highways -- and is about to remove another. In this week's Talking Headways episode, Jeff and I talk about what can take the place of a freeway in a city and why it's worth it.

We also debunk the argument, made in Atlantic Cities and the Washington Post last week, that promoting car access will benefit people with low incomes. The whole concept is based on a study that basically said that in the 90s you needed a car to get around the suburbs. Not exactly a persuasive justification for automobile subsidies in today's cities.

We wander down Saffron Avenue and Nutmeg Lane to investigate whether it's true that cities are losing their smell -- and whether that's really such a bad thing. Then we accidentally trip into a conversation about pheromones and good-smelling men.

What's your favorite smell in your city? Let us know in the comments.

We're working on getting the podcast available on Stitcher, which apparently is a thing that exists, but for now you can subscribe on iTunes or follow the RSS feed.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Cyclists Still Getting Criminal Summonses — And Mayor Mamdani Is Still Waffling

Another day, another criminal sting against cyclists — and another day of Mayor Mamdani blowing off questions about why he is continuing a policy of his predecessor that he says he opposes.

February 12, 2026

Mamdani Pitches Free Buses (Cheap!) Plus Other Transportation Needs on ‘Tin Cup’ Day in Albany

The mayor gave his former colleagues in state government a glimpse of his thinking on transportation and city operations, and hopes they can send more cash his city's way.

February 12, 2026

‘Everyone’s At Fault’: Mamdani and City Council Point Fingers Over Lowering Speed Limits

The mayor and the City Council are using the "art of deflection" to keep the status quo instead of lowering the speed limit to a safer 20 miles per hour.

February 12, 2026

Report: Pedestrians Are At Risk … Where You’d Least Expect It

The city may be underestimating number of outer borough pedestrians and is biased towards Manhattan, a new report finds.

February 12, 2026

Thursday’s Headlines: Down With DSPs Edition

Council Member Tiffany Cabán will reintroduce a bill taking on Amazon's use of third-party delivery companies. Plus more news.

February 12, 2026

Data: New Yorkers Keep Biking In This Cold, Cold World

Even in the city's historic deep freeze, New Yorkers are getting around by bicycle, according to publicly available data.

February 11, 2026
See all posts