BackStories » Vietnam » Society » Environment » Experts Think Building Dedicated Paths for Cyclists, Pedestrians Could Ease Vietnam's Congestion, Pollution

By 2030, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the environment will triple that of 2015's amount.

According to Associate Professor and Doctor Luu Duc Hai, director of the Institute for Urban Studies and Infrastructure Development, urban planning authorities should consider developing paths for cyclists and pedestrians in order to alleviate Vietnam's current traffic congestion, Kinh Te Do Thi reports.

The majority of the city's daily commuters use private means of transportation while only 15% use public transportation. Thus, developing roads for pedestrians and cyclists that are well-connected to public transportation services will help encourage public transportation usage, ease the pressure on transport infrastructure, and reduce its environmental impact.

"During the process of rapid urbanization, overloaded transport infrastructures have led to many potential threats including traffic accidents and negative impacts on the environment. Therefore urban planners should shift their focus on developing roads for cyclists and pedestrians," said Hai.

Recent statistics from the Hanoi Department of Natural Resources and Environment reveal the need to find alternatives to internal combustion engine vehicles. According to the department, by 2020, vehicles using fuels and energy will release 18.2 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas into the environment and by 2030 the figure will skyrocket to 42.7 million tons of CO2 gas. Most of the gas and air pollution emissions are the byproducts of cars and motorcycles.

Echoing Hai's idea, Chairman of the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment Nguyen Ngoc Sinh also calls for the use of biofuel and electric vehicle, along with the establishment of roads for pedestrians and cyclists.


Related Articles:

Saigon Launches 3 'Model Bus' Routes With Free WiFi, Handicap Accessibility

Saigon’s Traffic Nightmare: Challenges and Potential Solutions

[Photos] A System of Chaos: Public Transportation and Saigon's Traffic Pandemonium


Related Articles

in Environment

As Erosion Eats Away 20m of Land a Month, Ca Mau Requests Urgent Funds

Land erosion in the province is threatening lives.

in Environment

Can Gory Animal Statues Shock Vietnam Into Shunning Wildlife Products?

On January 28, three statues — including one of a rhino bleeding with its horn cut off, an elephant whose tusks are broken and two de-scaled pangolins — went on display at Vinh Nghiem Pagoda in Saigon...

in Environment

Cat Lai Area in District 2 Has Saigon's Worst Levels of Air, Noise Pollution, Study Shows

On October 9, the Center of Natural Resources and Environment Monitoring held a press conference reporting its findings on Saigon’s environmental quality.

in Environment

Da Nang Suspends 2 Steel Plants Due to Pollution

On the evening of February 26, hundreds of residents of Hoa Lien commune gathered at the gates of the two companies to protest against their polluting practices.

in Environment

Dong Thap's Number of Sarus Cranes Has Shrunk by 100 Times Since 1998

Tram Chim National Park in Dong Thap Province is a wetland area reserved for a waterfowl habitat under the Ramsar Convention.

in Environment

Most of Vietnam's Untreated Wastewater Is Released Directly Into the Environment: Report

In Vietnam, the annual production of household wastewater – currently accounts for 30% of all wastewater discharge – is increasing due to the country's rapid urbanization.

Partner Content