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 Inevitably, bicycles were deemed outdated on the bustling streets of the capital.
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.
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?
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.
READ MORE:
Cousins
Hello, do you have bikes suitable for 8 and 9-year-old children?
Hanoi Bike Tour
yes, we have bikes for 8 and 9 year old. Can you let us know the time and which location you want to rent? We have branches in Hanoi and Ninh Binh.
Hanoi Bike Tour
yes, we have
Rachel Huan
Do you have bicycles with child seats? We would like to rent 2 in November.
Hanoi Bike Tour
yes, we have bicycles with child seats.
Hanoi Bike Tour
yes, we have bikes with child seats. Where do you want rental? Thank you!
Lim Hwee Peng
We know that Hanoi has many interesting places. Can you advise us on what to visit?
Hanoi Bike Tour
Hello, thank you for your interest. We have responded via email sent to you. Please reply when you receive it.
Guy shaked
Next Friday, we need 5 bicycles delivered to the Royal Holiday Hanoi Hotel.
Hanoi Bike Tour
yes, We confirm your booking
Mettar
We have 6 people and need advice on cycling tours in Hanoi.
Hanoi Bike Tour
Hello, thank you for your interest. We have responded via email sent to you. Please reply when you receive it.
Boudewijn Job
An article with a lot of useful information
Hanoi Bike Tour
yes, If you have any questions please contact us. Thank you!
Iris
We have visited your website and are interested in exploring the history and culture of Hanoi. Could you advise us about your tour programs?
Maria
Can you send detailed information about the cycling program in Mai Chau?
Cousins
Do you have power-assisted bicycles? We need to rent 2.
Caitlin
We want to rent 3 mountain bikes. THank!
Radoslaw
We’re interested in the bicycle tour program in Ninh Binh. Could you please provide a price quote?
Balin
Do you have a Cao Bang to Mai Chau bicycle program?