[Leica] IMG: Hanoi Traffic

[Geoff Hopkinson]

Having just had some days in Beijing I can only echo Spencer's comments
about the organic flow. We were struck by the calmness of the traffic flow
which my wife described as liquid metal at all times, not to mention the
unfailing friendliness of each person we encountered though. Crossing the
road is best done in groups though as those are more likely to discourage
drivers from risking damage to their vehicles.

>From what I can see though leave all of the scooters there and replace 95%
of the bicycles with cars. Some 6 million of them in Beijing I am told,
with Government regulation that in theory ,only half of the cars may use
the roads on any given day (by some number plate filtering). Well funded
persons may have cars that fit both days of course.
I think that the 2008 Olympics may have been a transforming agent in that
change to many more cars actually. The Metro service is extremely good and
extremely cheap .One station to any other costs 2 Yuan (or about 30c or so)
and the buses even more ridiculously cheap.
 We managed about 3 smog free days in fact but for the rest it made LA look
like Wyoming or something!


Cheers
Geoff
http://www.pbase.com/hoppyman

On 25 September 2014 13:14, Spencer Cheng <spencer at aotera.org> wrote:

> Hanoi traffic pattern is very similar to traffic in China where I am right
> now. It's what I would describe as organic meaning that the pattern changes
> constantly unlike the West where people tend to stick in their lanes and
> obey traffic signals. Everyone gives a bit to let another
> bike/trike/motorcycle/car to fit into existing space. Everyone expects
> everyone else to behave irrationally. Traffic signs and signals are hints
> rather than absolute must-obey.
>
> Surprisingly, I have never seen signs of road rage in Beijing or Shenzhen.
> Everyone just get along. :)
>
> Regards,
> Spencer
>
> On Sep 24, 2014, at 14:04, Tina Manley <tmanley at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > Thanks, Gerry.  Just point and go for it!  We were instructed that in
> order
> > to cross the street, you have to walk slowly and don't change directions
> > and everybody will adjust and go around you.  It works!
> >
> > Tina
>
>
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