Ho Chi Minh City plans additional 4.5km of bicycle lanes

The existing bicycle lane in An Khanh Ward opened to the public on December 31 last year.

The 5.8km lane runs parallel to the sidewalk of Mai Chi Tho Boulevard, extending from Nguyen Co Thach Street to Street D1.

Doan Van Tan, director of the Ho Chi Minh City Urban Traffic Management and Operation Center, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that the priority lane for bicycles has proven effective in encouraging residents to adopt cycling.

Building on this success, the city aims to further develop the priority cycling corridor along Mai Chi Tho Boulevard.

The expansion will include a 2.5-kilometer extension toward the Saigon River and a further two-kilometer stretch connecting to Rach Chiec Station, a key stop on the city’s metro line.

Construction is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2026.

Tan said that Mai Chi Tho Boulevard offers favorable conditions for dedicated cycling infrastructure, including wide road space and unobstructed sidewalks.

In its first phase, the route is set to connect major residential areas such as New City and Sala.

Meanwhile, the second phase is designed to strengthen links between residential areas and the metro system, making it easier for residents to access public transport.

The extended route toward the Saigon River is also expected to integrate with a planned pedestrian bridge, forming part of a broader network that connects riverside parks, residential zones, and public transit hubs.

Data from the center indicated that public bicycle usage has risen steadily since the lane opened in late December last year.

As of February 3, the center had recorded over 1,500 public bicycle trips along the lane, with some stations experiencing usage increases of up to tenfold compared to previous levels.

The number of privately-owned bicycles using the lane has also surged, particularly from 5:00 am to 7:00 am and from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

The current cycling corridor offers a clean and accessible route, separated from motorized traffic and shaded by rows of trees.

The lane is asphalt-paved and clearly marked with signage and road paint, while multiple public bicycle stations have been installed along the route to support green mobility.

Nguyen Vung, a 66-year-old resident of Tan Son Nhat Ward and a long-time cycling enthusiast, expressed strong support for the opening of the bicycle lane.

He noted that the segregated lane provides a sense of safety and confidence compared to navigating through dense traffic on major roads.

However, he also highlighted concerns about road surface quality, pointing out that some sections remain uneven, causing discomfort for cyclists.

Tan noted that certain rough patches are due to underlying drainage infrastructure, but he confirmed that maintenance work will be carried out to improve surface conditions.

He stated that the route meets design standards.

Meanwhile, the issue of motorbikes encroaching on the bicycle lane has diminished, thanks to increased public awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement by traffic police.