When every meter of sidewalk is returned to its true meaning
Recorded on central streets such as Nguyen Huu Huan, Hang Ma, Hang Ngang... or major roads such as Xa Dan, Thai Ha... the change is easily noticeable. No longer the scene of vehicles and eateries surrounding sidewalks or street vendors surrounding walkways, public space has been restored to its original function.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan (Hoan Kiem ward) excitedly shared: "Previously, walking on the sidewalk had to weave through rows of cars and plastic tables and chairs. Now the sidewalk is much clearer, we elderly people who exercise in the morning feel much more secure and relaxed.
Sharing the same view, Mr. Lai Manh Cuong (tourist) said: "I am quite surprised to see that the sidewalks in Hanoi have become much neater than when I came here last time. This not only helps travel conveniently but also makes the urban landscape more beautiful. Hopefully this will be maintained for a long time.
This change cannot be achieved without the self-awareness of street vendors. Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh (owner of a store on Xa Dan street, O Cho Dua ward) said that his family has proactively arranged goods neatly inside, leaving a proper walkway. He also proactively reminds customers when they come to the store to park their cars in accordance with the prescribed white lines.
“Initially, there was a bit of inconvenience because the display space was narrowed, but when they saw that the street was neat, customers found it comfortable and stopped more often. If I am self-conscious, the streets will be clean and beautiful," Mr. Thanh expressed.
Many streets are still encroached upon
Although many places have changed, in reality, sidewalk encroachment still exists, especially when functional forces are absent.
Recorded on a street in Kien Hung ward, in front of an internet cafe, the sidewalk, although wide, has become a parking space for dozens of motorbikes, forcing pedestrians to walk down to the road.
Regaining the neat sidewalk appearance is a long-term battle. Positive images in the past time have proven that when the government is determined and people are united, sidewalks can completely become clean and beautiful.
To make the new appearance of Hanoi sidewalks not just a temporary change, more drastic involvement from local authorities is needed, along with reasonable planning of business areas and parking lots. Only when the interests between businesses and the community are harmonized under a strict management framework, will the Capital's sidewalks truly belong to pedestrians.
