Most expats in Vietnam have had a similar experience. The first time they arrive in the country, they exit the airport to a sea of motorbikes riding along sidewalks and between street food vendors. This was most likely your first impression of Vietnam, but life is changing with new rules to clear sidewalks for pedestrians.

In a recent article, Binh Thanh District in Ho Chi Minh City has doubled down on its attempts to clear sidewalks. The first step was imposing heavy fines on motorbike riders who use the sidewalk as a shortcut to escape traffic. The latest is the policing of local sellers and shops to maintain sufficient space for pedestrians.

But is this change to the streetscape a step forward or a crushing blow to the culture of the city streets? Well, as a person who has run around the city for many years, I am very familiar with the challenges of finding any usable sidewalk. Indeed, 95 percent of my running was done amongst the traffic because it was the only place available.

In more recent times, in Binh Thanh District, walking my dog was just impossible. There was no sidewalk available, and the dog became scared when loud engines rushed by only a few centimeters from her ears. Walking a small dog on the side of the road is dangerous and not good for the dog, but it was the only option due to congested sidewalks.

To make things even more challenging, where there may have been a few meters of sidewalk available, the surface is usually broken and unsafe to walk on because of the motorbikes using it as an extension of the roadway. This means that running or walking may be safer on the road amongst the traffic.

For residents of these local areas, it is frustrating, dangerous, and restricts our ability to lead a normal life.

The news that local authorities are imposing fines on businesses and food sellers comes with immense support. Clearing sidewalks for walking is a big change to the landscape of the district but one that is well overdue.

From an environmental protection perspective, the only way to get people off motorbikes and back to non-polluting forms of movement is to give them a place to move around safely. I have walked to work in the past, and I was hit twice by motorbikes. I can walk to work, but it is just too dangerous because most of the 3km I need to walk is on the road.

Hopefully, stricter enforcement of these regulations will encourage more people to leave their motorbikes at home and use the sidewalks as intended -- for walking.

When the news first broke about these changes and their enforcement, I worried that the city's vibrant street culture might disappear. However, after seeing the results first-hand, I’m now convinced that this shift will lead to a better, more livable urban environment.

I agree that some adjustments will be necessary. We might have to reconsider using our motorbikes for short trips or avoid parking right in front of shops, but in the end, the overall experience will be much better and safer for everyone.

And as a point of safety, it is well known that the population of Vietnam is quickly aging. More and more retirement-age people now make up a significant part of the community. We need to be smarter and think of their safety. Broken sidewalks full of obstacles make it impossible for older members of the community to get around.

So, after we all complain that our favorite banh mi cart has moved or we have to walk an extra 50 meters to buy a coffee or use the ATM, life appears to be better for local communities with clear sidewalks.

The culture of these local areas has not died, and people are still earning a living on the vibrant streets of Binh Thanh. This should be an example to other districts and cities as the population continues to grow across the country.

What I thought I loved about Vietnam when I first came here on a holiday was more about it being different and unique. The little imperfections made it fun and a bit of a challenge. Now Vietnam is growing, and these changes are bringing with it a future that, I think, will be safer and better for everyone.

Make sure you get out and enjoy the wider, cleaner, and safer streets of Binh Thanh soon.