Running the risk in alley traffic

We need to stop drivers who try to squeeze past pedestrians in capital's narrow lanes

On a recent Saturday, I found myself wedged against the front fender of an oncoming car moving centimeters by slow centimeters through crowds of shoppers and bar patrons in the narrow alley that is Beijing's Nanluoguxiang. The driver could not back up or press forward, hemmed in by pedestrians forced to push hard against other people to create just enough space to allow the car to move slowly forward before rolling to yet another stop.

I once saw a small child scooped up in a parent's arms and held above the crush of oncoming cars and crawl of bicycle taxis in this ancient hutong, which is popular for its trendy shops and restaurants.