Motorcycles in developing Asian cities: A case study of Hanoi

The rapid rise in motorcycle transport in developing Asian countries and in particular in Vietnam, poses a challenge to planning authorities and policy makers. Very little is understood about responses of motorcycle users to policy instruments available to government to better manage the mode. This is an impediment to the planning and appraisal of policy initiatives, and hence efforts to reduce the adverse effects on present and future populations of the mode, including travel delays, health and safety impacts and emissions production. There is a need to better position the role of the motorcycle in providing urban mobility and its integration with other modes. This is especially the case considering potential changes to public transport options and the effect of rising incomes and car ownership. This paper describes a study undertaken on the use and ownership win the city of Hanoi, Vietnam. Focus groups, interviews, surveys and other data collection processes allowed for subsequent analysis and interpretations with the development of a policy model to test the effect of some potential policy initiatives. Results of the study and assembled data resources provide potential solutions for Vietnam and could be widely informative across East Asia and other regions where developing cities are facing similar challenges.