09-02-10
photo documentary – saigon motorcycles madness!
There are five million people in Saigon – and three million motorcycles. Almost no one walks or rides a bicycle anymore. Of course they are a few but it is very in a small count. the people have become motorcycle dependent, motorcycle bound. It’s impossible to separate them from their cycles. They go nowhere without them… and they ride them anywhere and everywhere.
Although they were traffic lights, still… under normal conditions no one stops at intersections in Saigon or anywhere else in Vietnam. Everyone just keeps rolling at a steady pace. They expect other drivers to read their intent, and to speed up, slow down, weave or dodge in order to avoid smacking into them. Timing is routinely split-second.
Motorcycles surge through the streets like massive schools of fish swimming in a river too small and too shallow to carry them all. their drivers weave like barrel-racers through an oncoming tide of traffic, up a one way street or into an oncoming lane. They sail nonchalantly through intersections, directly across the flow of traffic, stopping only when confronted by a much bigger vehicle. Seriously this is insane!!!
They ride up over onto the sidewalk, dodging and threatening pedestrians in equal measure, and with equal insouciance. They careen down narrow alleys crowded with people,with street sellers balancing bamboo poles or pushing large carts, with people drinking tea or beer, cleaning vegetables, cooking meals, doing dishes, and with children playing.
Motorcycle drivers come in all ages – some no more than children. They may be cautious and careful, or free-wheeling and reckless. Some are focused on what they’re doing, watching the road ahead, trying to anticipate what the other guy is about to do. But many seem to be paying almost no attention at all… they talking on their cell phone, looking for an address or yelling to a friend across the road. lol.
As my 4 days visit to saigon, i was totally amazed with this scenario! then i decided to documented this as part of my photo documentary project. This project is one of my ongoing long term project. maybe some of u have no idea what it is all about. Come to Saigon and experience yourself on the road. I already give a try to ride a scooter owned by one of local friends, but i failed! i cant stand any longer than 10minutes, especially when entering the junction and intersection. Dammit! haha.
Maybe all of the pictures above still not enough show how crazy the motorcycles in Saigon. I will try my best next time, need to get photos from different angle especially from the top!
regrads,
azimzainudin – saigon april 2010