The nearly 6-kilometre cycle lane runs along the pavement of Mai Chi Tho Boulevard, stretching from Nguyen Co Thach Street to Street D1 and back. It is designed to separate bicycles from motorised traffic and provide a safer, more convenient option for daily travel.
The lane is about 2 metres wide, narrowing to 1.5 metres in some sections such as bridges, and allows cyclists to travel at a maximum speed of 20 kilometres per hour.
The project, which has a total investment of more than VND 12.7 billion (USD 483,500) covers nearly 5.8 kilometres and includes several bicycle parking areas and five public bike stations located near residential neighbourhoods.
Local residents and regular cyclists have welcomed the initiative, saying it makes cycling safer and more comfortable. The lane runs beneath rows of trees along the pavement, offering a shaded and pleasant environment for users.
Nguyen Ngoc Danh, 64, said he plans to start commuting by bicycle now that a dedicated lane is available. “Having a separate lane makes me feel safer and more comfortable, so I want to change my daily travel habits,” he said.
Another resident, Le Thanh Tan, 63, said the new lane has encouraged him to cycle more often along Mai Chi Tho Boulevard, as he no longer has to mix with motorbikes. “With a separate lane, I feel safer and can even enjoy the scenery,” he said.
Construction teams are completing final works such as lane markings, traffic signs and the installation of public bicycle stations. The project is scheduled for completion on December 31.
City authorities expect the pilot scheme to enhance safety for cyclists, promote environmentally friendly transport and help improve the urban environment.
Mai Chi Tho Boulevard, one of Ho Chi Minh City’s main east-west arteries, stretches more than 6.3 kilometres from the Saigon River Tunnel to the Cat Lai intersection, linking with Vo Nguyen Giap Street and serving as a key gateway to the city’s east.