Ho Chi Minh City plans to expand bicycle lane network in second quarter

Doan Van Tan, director of the Ho Chi Minh City Urban Traffic Management and Operation Center, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that the number of users of public bicycles along Mai Chi Tho Boulevard has increased significantly since the city opened a priority lane for bicycles in late 2025.

Statistics from the center indicated that between December 10 and December 30 last year, before the bicycle lane was opened, demand for the public bike service remained modest, with only 189 recorded trips.

However, after the dedicated lane was officially opened on December 31, 2025, the number of users rose sharply.

As of February 3, the center had recorded over 1,500 public bicycle trips along the lane.

Among the stations along the route, Nguyen Co Thach Station recorded the highest traffic, with usage levels 10 times higher than before the bicycle lane was introduced.

Tan noted that 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 center will continue developing the priority bicycle lane network along Mai Chi Tho Boulevard, he said.

Under the plan, a project to extend the dedicated bicycle lane by an additional 2.5 kilometers toward the Saigon River and another two kilometers to connect with Rach Chiec Metro Station will start work in the second quarter of this year.

For the section linking to Rach Chiec Station, construction timing will depend on the progress of the An Phu Interchange project to ensure the synchronized development of transport infrastructure.

According to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction, the project is meant to gradually build dedicated bicycle transport infrastructure, making it safer and more convenient for residents to use eco-friendly transportation.

The initiative is also expected to help reduce pressure on motorized traffic, cut emissions, and improve the quality of the urban environment.

The existing bicycle lane along Mai Chi Tho Boulevard 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.

It measures two meters in width, with a speed limit of 20km per hour.