Vietnam's capitol city Hanoi, following other South East Asian country restrictions on mopeds and two-wheeled vehicles, approves a controversial ban.
Hanoi's proposed 2030 ban on motorbike usage to curb congestion in the city center is no longer a proposition. The capital city already has begun creating walking streets. As Saigoneer reported on August 28, Hanoi’s municipal officials green lit the city council's recommendation, which passed by 91% in July. The proposed ban will become a reality in 2030.
However many residents and experts caution that the impending ban will not achieve the intended reduction in congestion, especially if public transportation infrastructure is not yet built out to sufficient levels of service. Moreover many think the ban is unrealistic in the timeframe, especially given that Vietnam leads the world in per-capita motorbike ownership.
In a short video, residents around Hanoi’s Horn Kiem lake, which become pedestrian only streets Friday evening through Monday morning, opine about the ban.
FULL STORY: Hanoi's Impending Motorbike Ban
High Hopes and Stiff Resistance for Hanoi's New Bus Rapid Transit
Vietnam's capital is internationally known for pollution and traffic, the government is trying to take on both with a rapid transit bus system, but many remain skeptical.
Vietnam Tries to Head Off Rising Car Culture by Building Transit
Lien Hoang looks at efforts by Vietnam's government to get ahead of rising living standards, and the auto congestion that often accompanies, by building modern transit systems in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
An Ancient Neighborhood Booms in Vietnam
Hanoi's Ancient Quarter, founded in 1010 A.D. and built around a plan from the 15th century, is seeing an entrepreneurial boom. Planners are struggling to maintain the unique character of the community in the process.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.
Adaptive Reuse Will Create Housing in a Suburban Texas Strip Mall
A developer is reimagining a strip mall property as a mixed-use complex with housing and retail.
Study: Anti-Homelessness Laws Don’t Work
Research shows that punitive measures that criminalized unhoused people don’t help reduce homelessness.
In U.S., Urban Gondolas Face Uphill Battle
Cities in Latin America and Europe have embraced aerial transitways — AKA gondolas — as sustainable, convenient urban transport, especially in tricky geographies. American cities have yet to catch up.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont