Hanoi and 30 Years of Bicycle Development

Hanoi and 30 Years of Bicycle Development

About 30 years ago, trams in Hanoi became a distant memory. The city’s streets were dominated by bicycles, their wheels spinning energetically from dawn till dusk. Then, the flood of Chinese motorbikes arrived, almost erasing bicycles from the urban landscape. But now, bicycles have made a nostalgic comeback, bringing back the leisurely elegance of old Hanoi. Back then, the city felt more intimate and accessible than it does now.

The Decline and Nostalgic Return of Bicycles in Hanoi

The surge of Chinese motorbikes turned the streets into dense clouds of exhaust fumes, with notorious traffic jams at places like “Suffering” Crossroads (Nga Tu So) and O Cho Dua. Inevitably, bicycles were deemed outdated on the bustling streets of the capital.

The Modern Bicycle Culture: A Blend of Passion and Utility

Brands like Thong Nhat were downgraded, Xuan Hoa was dissolved, and bicycles from France, Germany, Czechoslovakia, and the Soviet Union children’s bikes gradually faded into oblivion. Only a few cargo bikes transporting rice, vegetables, and flowers remained in use, as they were essential for the poor. The mindset of Hanoi’s residents followed a cyclical pattern: first, they abandoned bicycles for motorbikes, then gradually reduced motorbike usage in favor of cars.

However, this shift had its drawbacks. Health issues related to motorbike and car usage, such as shoulder and knee pain, began to emerge. This led to a renewed appreciation and longing for bicycles.

In the past few years, bicycles have made a charming return to Hanoi’s streets, embodying romance, beauty, and poetry.

Nowadays, regardless of the season or time, the roads around West Lake are filled with cyclists of all ages. Mornings are particularly delightful, as bicycles from all over Hanoi converge on popular cycling spots like West Lake and Hoan Kiem Lake. Cyclists naturally gravitate towards each other, forming clubs and groups, and they diligently ride their favorite routes.

These bicycles then disperse throughout the city, combining energy and mobility. The bicycle revival started as a fitness trend but is now increasingly embraced by office workers and students for commuting.

It is now common to see civil servants cycling to work, adding a necessary softness to Hanoi’s streets, especially in the autumn.

Bicycles have become more than just a means of transportation; they are a captivating hobby. Modern bicycles can be luxurious, expensive, and as safe as cars and motorbikes.

The Modern Bicycle Culture: A Blend of Passion and Utility

When discussing bicycles in Hanoi, one must mention the enthusiasts who cherish French Poro bicycles. They have clubs where they share their passion, discussing bicycles all day long, from ancient wooden wheels and leather seats to handlebars through different eras.

People’s passion for bicycles rivals that for jewelry. Occasionally, you can see century-old bicycles parked outside coffee shops on Phan Dinh Phung Street, adding a soft, nostalgic charm to the cityscape.

The leisurely charm of Hanoi’s bicycles is best captured by the flower-laden bikes at the corners of Thuy Khue and Mai Xuan Thuong streets, where flowers are sold seasonally. These vibrant, colorful bikes evoke a sense of nostalgia, making it easy to forget the hardships faced by the street vendors pushing them.

A writer once told me, “It’s these flower-selling bicycles that give Hanoi its unique character, an unmistakable charm. They breathe life into the streets, adding a vibrant splash of color and an extraordinary sense of leisure.”

Are you interested in renting a bicycle?

Hanoi bike tour store

If you want to rent a bicycle, visit us at 128 Yen Hoa St, Tay Ho Dist. With the suggestions provided here for a tour of Hanoi, Hanoi Bike Tour hopes to offer you more options for your day trip in Hanoi. Contact us at (+84) 918889981 or email us at contact@hanoibiketour128.com for the best-priced tours in Hanoi.