Runners in Ho Chi Minh City are making good use of the roadbeds, even in heavy rush-hour traffic, despite the risk of endangering themselves and others.  

Pham Van Dong Boulevard in Thu Duc City, an administrative district under Ho Chi Minh City, is a hotspot for local runners.

It links the city with Di An City in neighboring Binh Duong Province, leading to serious rush-hour traffic. 

Unfortunately, the morning rush hour is exactly when runners like to use the street as well.

Nhat Diem, a 27-year-old resident of Di An City who works in Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City, said she often sees cyclists and runners on the street during her morning commute.

“People riding bicycles and running red lights makes me scared, but even if there were no bicycles, I’d still have to watch out for the runners," Diem shared.

“Sometimes I have to move to the middle of the street to make way for them.”

Dang Van Sam and Hoang Minh Giam Streets, near Gia Dinh Park in Go Vap District, are popular amongst local runners.

Hoang Minh Giam Street is typically congested every morning. Local runners weaving between motorbikes only exacerbates the situation.

Some wear earphones, putting themselves at even greater risk.

Kim Ngan, a runner who lives in Thu Duc City, said she often runs on Pham Van Dong because there are no parks or stadiums near her rented room. Though she would prefer to stick to the sidewalk, she said it is difficult due to eateries and stalls blocking the way.

Nguyen Van Toi, another Thu Duc City resident, along with two often run on Pham Van Dong.

According to Toi, he and his two running partners do their best to run against traffic in order to better see vehicles and move out of the way.

Lawyer Le Trung Phat from the Ho Chi Minh City Bar Association referenced Article 32 of the Law on Road Traffic, which stipulates that pedestrians are obligated to utilize sidewalks for walking.

In the absence of sidewalks on certain streets, pedestrians are required to walk near the street's edge.

If they violate regulations on traffic safety, they will face a fine ranging between VND60,000 (US$2.3) and VND200,000 ($7.8) each.

If they cross streets or walk on the roadbeds and cause traffic accidents, they may face criminal penalties. 

In particular, they will be fined VND30-100 million ($1,171-3,905) each, put on probation for up to three years, or sentenced to one to 15 years in prison.

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