Motorbike Mania
One of Vietnam's most distinctive characteristics is the over abundance of two wheeled transport, whether it be motorbikes, bicycles or the traditional cyclo.
95% of all vehicles on the roads are bikes and motorbike ownership has reached 1 in 3 adults meaning today Vietnam has around 20 million motorbikes on its roads, add the electric bikes and bicycles and you have a country powered by 2 wheels.
Motorbikes are expensive when you compare them to the average earnings and for most people this is their most valuable possession which is why most families keep their bikes inside their house. Living rooms tend to be sparsely furnished and adorned with their precious bike or motorbike. Our neighbours are still horrified that we insist on parking our bikes in the front garden and not inside the house. I just don't think that the bike parked alongside my cream sofas is really going to work !
Car ownership remain prohibitive to almost everyone, not just due to low incomes but the colossal taxes applied to cars. The average car in the US costs $23,00 whilst with import and luxury taxes the same car costs $69,000
here in Vietnam.
So as we settled here it became very clear we would need to join the bike riding population. So with rented motorbikes we set off on this journey of cultural integration - I just wish someone had armed us with these 5 key rules of the road!
95% of all vehicles on the roads are bikes and motorbike ownership has reached 1 in 3 adults meaning today Vietnam has around 20 million motorbikes on its roads, add the electric bikes and bicycles and you have a country powered by 2 wheels.
Motorbikes are expensive when you compare them to the average earnings and for most people this is their most valuable possession which is why most families keep their bikes inside their house. Living rooms tend to be sparsely furnished and adorned with their precious bike or motorbike. Our neighbours are still horrified that we insist on parking our bikes in the front garden and not inside the house. I just don't think that the bike parked alongside my cream sofas is really going to work !
Car ownership remain prohibitive to almost everyone, not just due to low incomes but the colossal taxes applied to cars. The average car in the US costs $23,00 whilst with import and luxury taxes the same car costs $69,000
here in Vietnam.
So as we settled here it became very clear we would need to join the bike riding population. So with rented motorbikes we set off on this journey of cultural integration - I just wish someone had armed us with these 5 key rules of the road!
1. Expect the Unexpected
The orderly road rules you have been brought up with are completely rewritten here so do not be surprised to meet bikes coming towards you on the road. Indicator and mirror usage appears to be illegal and traffic light adherence is optional. But more astounding is the likelihood of meeting a wheel barrow being pushing down the dual carriage way - in the fast lane, and animals being led by bike.
2. Load Up !
4 wheel vehicle access is limited but do not consider this a barrier. Anything that can be done with a car or truck can also be completed by a 2 wheeled vehicle. Family outings by bike are a necessity and everyone just hops on - no room for family disputes here when you have to travel in such close proximity to each other. Bikes are not only built for carrying people but practically anything you need to move. This could be moving your goods or livestock to market, moving furniture, building materials or just about anything !
3. Park Anywhere
Parking on the road is about the only no-no here otherwise you can just abandon your bike about anywhere. Pull up to the doorway on the pavement
and then leave your bike, for market shopping you may not even need to get off your bike but complete your purchases from the comfort of your seat. Don't worry if you block anyone in when parking as someone will just lift your bike aside. I am currently in weight training in order to participate in this as I find it impossible to lift my bike but tiny young girls seem to ably assist me - it must be something taught at school that I missed.
and then leave your bike, for market shopping you may not even need to get off your bike but complete your purchases from the comfort of your seat. Don't worry if you block anyone in when parking as someone will just lift your bike aside. I am currently in weight training in order to participate in this as I find it impossible to lift my bike but tiny young girls seem to ably assist me - it must be something taught at school that I missed.
4. It's a Social Activity
Do not believe that riding your bike is purely a functional activity that gets you from A to B. It is actually a very social activity where you can chat to friends on your phone or text your mum where you are whilst riding along the main road. If you are not using technology, ride alongside your friends and chat about your work or school day - just ignore the traffic around you that could disrupt the latest gossip. Out with a loved one then why not ride along holding hands to show you care and for those less fortunate then you and do not own a motor or electric bike then pull them along on their bike.
5. Don't Compromise on Style
Riding a motorbike does not mean you have to compromise on style. Helmets are not a safety item but a fashion accessory available in all this seasons colours and prints, for those with long hair don't worry many helmets have neat little cut-outs for your pony tail. Sounds great and I know you are all imagining me in a cute little pink helmet with a few stylish diamantes on the side - but no ! Alan insists we have safer European standard helmets which means no pretty colors and the end result is a bubble head princess. So I have decided to overcompensate in other areas in an attempt to deflect attention from the bubblehead look, my new bike has been resprayed red to match my shoes and the bike comes with handy little pockets at the front for makeup and cigarettes and a handy little hook for my bag. All is not lost : )
So how does all this craziness and obsession with bikes fit with a world heritage town and the preservation of it. The good news is here in Hoi An, the locals took the decision to close the old historic centre to all motorized
traffic except at specific hours for access ensuring the preservation of this historic and beautiful town for years to come.
My only final note on this subject is the golden rule :
KEEP YOUR FINGER ON THE HORN AND USE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE !!!!
traffic except at specific hours for access ensuring the preservation of this historic and beautiful town for years to come.
My only final note on this subject is the golden rule :
KEEP YOUR FINGER ON THE HORN AND USE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE !!!!