Motorbikes ride on the sidewalk near a bus stop on Cong Hoa Street, Tan Binh District. Photo: Ngoc Khai / Tuoi Tre
On Thursday morning, Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper correspondents observed a large number of motorbikes riding on sidewalks across various streets in the southern metropolis, including Cong Hoa and Hoang Van Thu in Tan Binh District, Tay Thanh in Tan Phu District, Cach Mang Thang Tam and Ly Tu Trong in District 1, and Nguyen Tat Thanh in District 4.
While lots of residents comply with traffic laws, others continue to blatantly ride on sidewalks, particularly during peak hours.
Eyewitnesses noted that a significant portion of violators were wearing uniforms of delivery drivers or ride-hailing app riders.
Some motorbikes were even seen traveling the wrong way on sidewalks.
“During rush hours, it's common to see many motorcyclists riding on the sidewalks. Not only does this take space from pedestrians, but it also damages the pavement,” said Kim Ngoc, a local resident.
Multiple riders use the sidewalk on Cong Hoa Street. Photo: Ngoc Khai / Tuoi Tre
As per the Vietnamese government’s Decree 168, motorcyclists riding on sidewalks—except when entering or exiting driveways, homes, or buildings—will be fined VND4-6 million (US$155-23) and get a deduction of two points on their driver’s license.
Decree 168, which took effect on January 1 this year, introduces much higher administrative fines for road traffic violations.
Despite existing laws, many riders continue to cite traffic congestion and delays as justification for using sidewalks.
However, this behavior endangers pedestrians, especially the elderly and children, and contributes to the deterioration of sidewalk infrastructure.
Below are some photos of motorcyclists riding on the sidewalks across various Ho Chi Minh City streets on the morning of June 5, 2025:
Two riders use the sidewalk along Cach Mang Thang Tam Street in District 1. Photo: Ngoc Khai / Tuoi Tre
Several riders blatantly drive on sidewalks in various areas. Photo: Ngoc Khai / Tuoi Tre
Two motorbikes travel along the sidewalk of Ly Tu Trong Street near an intersection with Truong Dinh Street. Photo: Ngoc Khai / Tuoi Tre
A rider drives along the sidewalk of Nguyen Tat Thanh Street in District 4. Photo: Ngoc Khai / Tuoi Tre
A motorcyclist rides on the sidewalk of Ly Tu Trong Street before turning onto Truong Dinh Street. Photo: Ngoc Khai / Tuoi Tre
Motorbikes mount the sidewalk on Tay Thanh Street near the intersection with Truong Chinh Street. Photo: Ngoc Khai / Tuoi Tre
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