In the days leading up to Tet, Hanoi's streets become increasingly congested as vehicle numbers surge.

On Tay Son Street in Dong Da District, 3–4 rows of cars often line up, making it difficult for motorbike riders to navigate.

Nguyen Thi Hong, a resident of Ha Dong District, expressed her frustration, stating that cars often block paths designated for motorbikes, leaving her unsure where to go.

However, Bui Danh T., a taxi driver, offered a different perspective, arguing that motorbike riders often weave into any available space, forcing car drivers to move "flexibly" to avoid collisions.

Nguyen Quang Anh, another driver from Dong Da District, added that on roads without dedicated lanes but with mixed-traffic markings, car drivers are not breaking any regulations by moving as they do.

Motorbikes pushed to sidewalks

On Nguyen Xien Street, cars frequently occupy the entire roadway, forcing motorbike riders to hug the sidewalks or use narrow spaces to maneuver.

Many motorbike riders have resorted to driving on sidewalks, despite the inconvenience of repeatedly navigating curbs. Some explain that they have no other choice but to take to the sidewalks when cars dominate the road.

A similar situation occurs on Nguyen Trai Street, a road once subject to a lane division trial by the Hanoi Department of Transport. Despite these efforts, cars continue to "trap" motorbikes, leaving little room for riders.

On this street, some motorbike riders attempting to climb onto the sidewalks have slipped and fallen, highlighting the hazards of these improvised routes.

Even late at night, such as on Khuat Duy Tien Street, rows of cars occupying 3–4 lanes remain a common sight, further compounding congestion issues.

Dinh Hieu