Skip to content

Talking Headways Podcast: The Peking Order

This week on the podcast I’m joined by Dr. Mariela Alfonzo to discuss her recent paper, "Walkability, Obesity and Urban Design in Chinese Neighborhoods," in the journal Preventive Medicine. The findings on both cycling and obesity might surprise you.
podcast icon logo

This week on the podcast I’m joined by Dr. Mariela Alfonzo to discuss her recent paper, “Walkability, Obesity and Urban Design in Chinese Neighborhoods,” in the journal Preventive Medicine. The findings on both cycling and obesity might surprise you.

We also discuss how policy change works in Chinese cities and how much power mayors have to make those changes, as well as what motivates them. Perhaps my favorite topic was the Peking Order, or the level of importance assigned to each mode of transportation. Surprisingly, buses are first, but not for the reasons you would think. Join us as we travel east on this week’s Talking Headways.

Streetsblog has migrated to a new comment system. New commenters can register directly in the comments section of any article. Returning commenters: your previous comments and display name have been preserved, but you'll need to reclaim your account by clicking "Forgot your password?" on the sign-in form, entering your email, and following the verification link to set a new password — this is required because passwords could not be carried over during the migration. For questions, contact tips@streetsblog.org.

More from Streetsblog New York City

Mamdani Will Rebuild the BQE to Last Until 2080 Despite Calls to Tear it Down

August 24, 2026

Uber and Waymo Have Spent More Than $15M This Year Lobbying New York Pols

August 24, 2026

Monday’s Headlines: Time for Action Edition

August 24, 2026

Hit-and-Run Drivers Killed Three Cyclists in Three Days

August 21, 2026

City Floats Busway, Parking Maximums to Ease Traffic from Red Hook Redevelopment

August 21, 2026
See all posts