Legends Traffic

Ever since my first trip to Legends, I have become completely addicted to the view from the deck at Legends Beer, overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake and the most outrageously complicated traffic intersection in Hanoi.

I know we have blogged about the traffic in Hanoi previously but trying to capture the true chaos in two dimensions is like trying to capture the Grand Canyon in any single image. I have attached a video that helps a little but the only way to truly understand it is to walk across at rush hour yourself!

Traffic intersections in Hanoi don't have traffic lights. They don't have walk signals. There are no rules. There is no concept of yield. Everyone simply merges and somehow it works out. It is mesmerizing. It is not uncommon for people to go the wrong way down a one-way street if it takes them to where they need to go.

75% of the traffic is motorbikes, 10% cars, 10% pedestrians and 5% pedal bikes. It is hard to believe that there weren't any motorbikes in Hanoi 10 years ago! Luckily, the government instituted a helmet law last year so most people on motor bikes are now wearing helmets.

We have not witnessed any traffic accidents, but in talking to the locals, it sounds like there are many and they are deadly. People definitely WANT more rules and are happy to see intersections re-engineered to accommodate lights and crosswalks. Most people don't really pay attention to the new lights, however, so it isn't necessarily helping from a safety perspective.

I have no doubt that when we come back in 5-10 years, this aspect of Hanoi will be significantly altered. There will be many more lights, crosswalks and tickets being given to those not abiding by the law. I feel a bit conflicted about seeing the change occur. While it will definitely be safer for Hanioans, it will also inch Hanoi closer to looking like other cities and a bit of it's uniqueness will be lost in the process. Perhaps they could just keep the Legends Beer intersection the same :)