Images of young people cycling amidst the bustling traffic on Ho Chi Minh City streets every morning have become increasingly familiar.

Not everyone cycles to work full-time, but some do it to adopt a new lifestyle, while others see it as a form of exercise.

Cheerfully pushing her cross-frame bicycle and carrying a laptop bag, Tran Ha Thai Quyen, a 35-year-old resident in District 11, pedals to her office, a 2.3km route from her home. 

Having cycled to work for many years, Quyen's routine is to cycle to her workplace and back home daily.

She reveals that the bicycle and motorcycle are shared with her sister. Cycling is not inconvenient because her workplace is relatively near her home.

When she worked in Binh Tan District, she cycled nearly 8km along Ba Thang Hai and Hong Bang Streets.

As her neighborhood has spacious alleys and lots of greenery, she also cycles to buy small items at nearby stores. When meeting friends not far from home, she prefers cycling if she is not in a hurry.

Besides promoting good health, Quyen believes cycling is a simple and economical way of life, saving on fuel costs and maintenance fees that come with owning a motorcycle.

Loving a green lifestyle, Quyen feels that cycling contributes to her personal eco-friendly habits, alongside using environment-friendly products. 

However, on the road, where the majority of vehicles are cars and motorcycles, bicycles appear 'small,' making it necessary for cyclists to be extra vigilant, especially when crossing roads as bicycles do not have horns or rearview mirrors like motorcycles.

During the rainy season, Quyen still cycles if the rain is light, but when it is heavy, riding home can be challenging, with flooded roads, poor visibility, or strong winds making it hard to pedal. 

Quyen sometimes pushed the bike just to be safe, as she was worried about uneven manhole covers, she recalled. 

Every mode of transport has its problems, as she once had to walk home after a flat tire, only to replace the inner tube the next morning.

Le Dinh Luan, a 38-year-old resident of Thu Duc City, developed a passion for cycling after a tour through the Ma Da Forest in neighboring Dong Nai Province. 

He invested nearly VND50 million (US$1,951) in a mountain bike that he rides from Thu Duc to his company on Cong Hoa Street in Tan Binh District.

He often travels through the Mai Chi Tho Avenue and Ba Son Bridge route, or the Saigon Bridge route, covering 45–50km.

"I usually leave the house at 6:30 am and it takes me about an hour to get to work. Of course, I don’t ride every day, as sometimes I have to drop off my child at school," Luan shares. 

Cycling to work has become a part of his routine for the past three years, and now he has adapted to it, as his heart rate and body have gotten used to the effort.

Initially, he felt it was quite exhausting and had to start with light exercises before gradually increasing the intensity.

Cycling to relax, admire the surroundings

Phan Giang, 32, living in Go Vap District, was given a bike as a gift in October 2023 and recalled that she was not used to exerting herself too much at first. 

"Since starting work, I’ve only ever ridden a motorcycle, and walking was rare, let alone cycling," she said.

"The weather in Ho Chi Minh City is hot and the roads are congested and have many large intersections.

"Cycling in the city, apart from early mornings, is less convenient because of the heavy traffic."

Giang believes that if one can overcome these obstacles, cycling will become both useful and enjoyable.

Apart from using her bike to commute on suitable days, she also cycles in a nearby park to relax, exercise, or explore quieter streets to admire the cityscape. 

On days when she feels adventurous, she might cycle a bit farther.

She used to cycle to Ho Chi Minh City’s outlying Can Gio District and neighboring Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province with some friends.

"I enjoy a sense of adventure, and if possible, I want to challenge myself and explore longer routes," she said. 

For Giang, cycling has helped her connect with new people, creating new experiences and joy.

Similarly, Luan said that cycling had helped him feel more at ease. 

"The early morning and late afternoon rides make me feel healthier, with more time to slowly observe life," he added. 

"Cycling helps me relieve stress, observe my surroundings, and reduce my dependency on my phone.

“My bike weighs 10kg, so I can carry it across traffic jams."

According to Luan, cycling at a slower pace allows him to encounter unique moments, such as when the sun rises with orange clouds in a particular area.

Due to the long distance, he usually carries his office clothes to change at work. One challenge with cycling or engaging in sports before work is sweating, and companies often do not have shower rooms, Luan notes.

He adds that cycling is not suitable for those who care about their appearance, especially with heat, sweat, and dirt. 

Luan shared that he had overcome these inconveniences.

He and his friends usually ride around 200km, and they feel normal. On weekends, they often choose scenic routes to Can Gio, Dinh Mountain in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, or Tri An Lake in Dong Nai Province.

He and his friends have developed necessary skills, such as fixing flat tires and replacing brakes.

The group has set a goal for each member to cycle at least 6,000km per year, while Luan aims for 10,000km. 

With the time during the Lunar New Year excluded, Luan rides about 900km per month or around 250–300km a week. He confidently said, “It’s totally doable!"

Cycling enthusiasts advise beginners to start with shorter distances, such as 5–10km, with a speed of 8–12km/h, to let the body adapt. They recommended joining cycling groups to gain motivation and experience.

There are various types of bicycles, such as racing bikes, mountain bikes, and electric-assisted bikes. Office workers generally need basic utility bikes.

According to a survey conducted by the ebike.org cycling community in the U.S., out of 1,000 plus respondents, 363 people began cycling to work, and the rest used other means of transport. 

The survey found that seven out of 10 cyclists who traveled an average of 6km to work felt more energized.

More than half of the respondents reported reduced stress, a more balanced life, and motivation for change, saving an average of $48 per week.

This also helped them feel more connected to the city and motivated them to reduce carbon emissions.

Dr. Jabeen Begum from AIG Hospital in India shared with the U.S. healthcare website WebMD that cycling helps burn calories, maintain a healthy weight, improve heart and lung function, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and certain cancers.

Cycling is suitable for those commuting relatively short distances or on routes with less traffic, combining both commuting and exercise.

For distances over 10km, riders are recommended to get a suitable bike, and carry water and snacks in case they have low blood pressure.

Riders should wear helmets and bright-colored clothing to be visible to other vehicles, ensure their bike has a light for the evening, and avoid long-distance journeys.

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