phan lan duong nt1 76963.jpg
Without hard dividers, cars and motorbikes often mix dangerously. Photo: Dinh Hieu

Hanoi is implementing concrete lane dividers to separate cars and motorbikes on Vo Chi Cong and Pham Van Dong roads. The move has sparked opposing views, particularly as congestion now builds up in car-only lanes during rush hour.

Many motorcyclists support the change. Nguyen Hai Minh from Co Nhue said her daily commute to Linh Dam used to be stressful, with cars occupying all six lanes. "Since the bike lanes were introduced, I feel much safer not having to weave through cars," she said. Minh hopes Hanoi will expand separate lanes to more roads to restore space for motorbikes currently overrun by cars.

Similarly, Viet Manh from Long Bien praised separate lanes on Vinh Tuy Bridge, where traffic now flows smoothly. "If all roads in Hanoi had separate lanes for motorbikes, it would be amazing!" he said.

On the other hand, car drivers express frustration. Some report significantly slower speeds during peak hours and longer detours - up to 3.5km - to make a simple U-turn.

Tran Minh Vuong from Dong Anh voiced concerns about safety, especially during storms. "At night, in bad weather, it's hard to see. Fast-moving motorbikes can crash into the dividers," he said, citing a recent accident on June 22.

Vuong urged authorities to add reflectors, warning lights, and clear signage - especially at night and in poor weather.

Improving awareness and traffic culture

W-Đường Pham Van Dong.jpeg
Hard lane divider on Pham Van Dong Road. Photo: N. Huyen

Nguyen Hoang Hai, Deputy Director of Hanoi’s Transport Infrastructure Maintenance Board, said that although Vo Chi Cong and Pham Van Dong have long had painted lane markings, most drivers ignored them. "During rush hour, cars occupy all lanes, forcing bikes to squeeze in unsafely. Without hard dividers, this chaos - and risk - won’t stop," he said.

Hai noted that warning signs, barriers, and lights are already in place at ongoing construction sites. He added that the June 22 crash involved a drunk motorcyclist. “We urge drivers to follow signage and be alert while these projects are underway,” he said.

Traffic experts agree: disorderly vehicle movement is a root cause of congestion and accidents. Clear lane separation reduces conflict at intersections and improves flow during rush hours.

Dr. Khuong Kim Tao, former Deputy Chief of the National Traffic Safety Committee, said the goal of separating vehicle types is to cut down on accidents and ease congestion.

Dr. Phan Le Binh, a transport specialist, stressed the urgency: “On wide, high-speed roads like Vo Chi Cong and Pham Van Dong, mixing cars and bikes is extremely dangerous.” He noted that painted lines and signs alone had failed to keep vehicles in their lanes. Without physical dividers, motorbikes often stray into car lanes to overtake, and vice versa.

Hard dividers, Binh argued, are crucial to improving safety and overall traffic quality.

Countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines have long adopted similar systems to reduce accidents and create orderly urban traffic environments. Gradually, these systems build a culture of disciplined driving.

In Vietnam, the new Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety, effective from January 1, 2025, emphasizes organized traffic systems. It mandates the separation of vehicle types to ensure safety and efficiency.

Experts believe lane separation does more than organize traffic - it cultivates a modern traffic culture. When drivers stay in their designated lanes, the risk of accidents and conflicts drops dramatically. It's a proactive safety measure that protects lives and property.

N. Huyen