Not only is it a form of exercise, this trend is also chosen by many people as a way to relax, reduce stress and enjoy a slow pace of life in a crowded city.
From about 4 pm to 7 pm, especially on weekends, roads around West Lake such as Thanh Nien, Trich Sai, Nguyen Dinh Thi or Quang An are increasingly showing groups of young people, office workers, and small families riding bicycles together. Many people choose to bring personal vehicles, while many people rent vehicles on the spot with prices starting from tens of thousands of VND per session.
Mr. La Viet Hoang (Phu Dien ward, Hanoi) said that recently, when the weather started to enter summer, he and a group of friends maintained the habit of cycling around West Lake after work.
“Previously, after work, I often went for coffee or came home to rest. But recently, I saw many friends inviting each other to cycle, so I also tried to participate. A round of West Lake is just enough to exercise and relax my mind, but the cost is not significant. Compared to traveling by gasoline car, cycling is both fuel-efficient and helps protect the environment,” Mr. Hoang said.
According to Mr. Hoang, cycling also creates a feeling of comfort and relaxation after a stressful working day. Many young people also see this as a way to change their living habits, limiting sitting for hours in front of phone or computer screens.
Ms. Khanh Huyen (Hoang Liet ward, Hanoi) shared that West Lake is a very reasonable cycling spot, because the distance is long enough, the air is airy and pleasant to exercise.
Cycling helps me both exercise and watch the sunset, see the lake surface, green trees and the rhythm of life around me," she said.
Although the summer afternoon heat in Hanoi is not as intense as at noon, the temperature is still high, the warmth is low, while exercising a lot can make the body easily dehydrated.
Ms. Nguyen Thao Quynh (Tay Tuu ward, Hanoi), who regularly cycles around West Lake in the afternoon, believes that for a more comfortable experience, participants should choose clothes suitable for the early summer weather.
The early summer afternoon in Hanoi is still quite hot, so everyone should wear thin clothes that absorb sweat well, wear light sneakers and bring water to replenish water after exercising. If cycling is still sunny, you should wear a hat, glasses or sunscreen to avoid fatigue," Ms. Quynh shared.
