For a long time, “xich lo” pedicabs, along with small stalls and ancienthouses have made Hanoi culturally different from other cities.However, pedicab riders and tourists cannot help but feel sad when thismeans may be banned from Hanoi ’s streets.
Deeply ingrained in Hanoians’ consciousness, pedicabs help create a colourful picture for the city’s tourism.
Since 2009, the city has given permission to four businesses to runabout 300 pedicabs. However, riders are now very worried that thisvehicle may be banned.
“I have had a strongattachment to this job for a long time. I am wondering how my familywill live if I don’t have it any longer,” said Le Van Duc, a pedicabrider in Hanoi .
Hanoi has recentlyintended to remove the cyclo service, reasoning that it is no longersuitable as it delays the flow of transport, causing trafficcongestions. The city also said it will buy cyclos from riders andarrange new jobs for them.
However, leaders ofSans Souci, a popular t ourism cyclo services c ompany, said mostpedicab riders are old-aged men, and the job is their true means ofsubsistence. It would be difficult to arrange new jobs for them.
“How much will each cyclo rider receive in compensation? I amconsidering how they can live with their savings money from possiblecompensation, especially war invalids back from the battlefields,” saidDirector of Sans Souci Tourism Cyclo Services Company Do AnhThu.
For tourists, having a pedicab tour helps themleisurely contemplate Hanoi’s surrounding landscape and take somephotographs.
Foreign tourists would feel sorry ifthe pedicab service disappeared from Hanoi. They said the ancientstreets of Hanoi will look very “sad” and empty without pedicabs.
Naichand Micheal, a French tourist, said, “I am reallyfond of touring with a pedicab. The image of cyclos is different frommodern life. Pedicabs, along with small stalls, distinctive architectureand ancient houses are the cultural identities of Hanoi .”
Meanwhile, Graham and Megan, two tourists from South Africa , saidthey have already toured on a pedicab for a time. They showed theirsadness on hearing that the pedicab service may be removed.
No one can deny that pedicabs help bring unique cultural identities toHanoi. Moreover, pedicabs are the means of many people’s survival.-VNA
Deeply ingrained in Hanoians’ consciousness, pedicabs help create a colourful picture for the city’s tourism.
Since 2009, the city has given permission to four businesses to runabout 300 pedicabs. However, riders are now very worried that thisvehicle may be banned.
“I have had a strongattachment to this job for a long time. I am wondering how my familywill live if I don’t have it any longer,” said Le Van Duc, a pedicabrider in Hanoi .
Hanoi has recentlyintended to remove the cyclo service, reasoning that it is no longersuitable as it delays the flow of transport, causing trafficcongestions. The city also said it will buy cyclos from riders andarrange new jobs for them.
However, leaders ofSans Souci, a popular t ourism cyclo services c ompany, said mostpedicab riders are old-aged men, and the job is their true means ofsubsistence. It would be difficult to arrange new jobs for them.
“How much will each cyclo rider receive in compensation? I amconsidering how they can live with their savings money from possiblecompensation, especially war invalids back from the battlefields,” saidDirector of Sans Souci Tourism Cyclo Services Company Do AnhThu.
For tourists, having a pedicab tour helps themleisurely contemplate Hanoi’s surrounding landscape and take somephotographs.
Foreign tourists would feel sorry ifthe pedicab service disappeared from Hanoi. They said the ancientstreets of Hanoi will look very “sad” and empty without pedicabs.
Naichand Micheal, a French tourist, said, “I am reallyfond of touring with a pedicab. The image of cyclos is different frommodern life. Pedicabs, along with small stalls, distinctive architectureand ancient houses are the cultural identities of Hanoi .”
Meanwhile, Graham and Megan, two tourists from South Africa , saidthey have already toured on a pedicab for a time. They showed theirsadness on hearing that the pedicab service may be removed.
No one can deny that pedicabs help bring unique cultural identities toHanoi. Moreover, pedicabs are the means of many people’s survival.-VNA
