According to the Urban Traffic Management Center (Department of Construction, Ho Chi Minh City), the bike lane will be created from the unused land in the median of Mai Chi Tho Boulevard, between Nguyen Co Thach Street and D1. It will be approximately 5.8 km long and 20 m wide, with a designed speed limit of 20 km/h.

The lane will be clearly marked with signs and painted lines to separate bicycles from cars and motorbikes. The project will also include conveniently located public bike parking areas and stations near residential areas for easy access.

Mai Chi Tho Boulevard near Nguyen Co Thach Street. Photo: Quynh Tran

Mai Chi Tho Boulevard near Nguyen Co Thach Street. Photo: Quynh Tran

The total investment for the project is estimated at over 14 billion VND from the regular maintenance budget. The Urban Traffic Management Center is currently selecting a contractor. Construction is expected to begin in October and be completed within 90 days.

Mai Chi Tho Boulevard, one of the largest roads in Ho Chi Minh City, is about 7 km long with 10 to 14 lanes. It opened in 2010 and is part of the East-West Highway (Mai Chi Tho - Saigon River Tunnel - Vo Van Kiet). This vital route connects the city center with the eastern gateway, An Phu Intersection, and the Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh - Dau Giay Expressway.

In addition to Mai Chi Tho Boulevard, the city has also explored opening a dedicated bike and pedestrian lane on Vo Nguyen Giap Boulevard (the former Hanoi Highway). This proposed project would span nearly 4 km from Rach Chiec Bridge to Saigon Bridge, utilizing the median between the main road and the frontage road. This section also runs beneath the Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien Metro line.

To improve connections between buses and the metro, and encourage eco-friendly transportation, Ho Chi Minh City launched a public bike-sharing program in the city center in late 2021. The service has become popular, especially among young people.

Giang Anh