Latest news with #motorbikes
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Malay Mail
Hanoi's green transition may clear the air, but is the cost of switching to electric bikes too much for everyday commuters?
HANOI, July 20 — Vietnam's plan to bar gas-guzzling motorbikes from central Hanoi may clear the air of the smog-smothered capital, but riders fear paying a high toll for the capital's green transition. 'Of course everyone wants a better environment,' said housewife Dang Thuy Hanh, baulking at the 80 million dong (RM12,986) her family would spend replacing their four scooters with electric alternatives. 'But why give us the first burden without any proper preparation?' grumbled the 52-year-old. Hanoi's scooter traffic is a fixture of the city's urban buzz. The northern hub of nine million people has nearly seven million two-wheelers, hurtling around at rush hour in a morass of congestion. Their exhausts splutter emissions regularly spurring the city to the top of worldwide smog rankings in a country where pollution claims at least 70,000 lives a year, according to the World Health Organization. The government last weekend announced plans to block fossil-fuelled bikes from Hanoi's 31 square kilometre (12 square mile) centre by next July. It will expand in stages to forbid all gas-fuelled vehicles in urban areas of the city in the next five years. Hanh — one of the 600,000 people living in the central embargo zone — said the looming cost of e-bikes has left her fretting over the loss of 'a huge amount of savings'. While she conceded e-bikes may help relieve pollution, she bemoaned the lack of public charging points near her home down a tiny alley in the heart of the city. 'Why force residents to change while the city's infrastructure is not yet able to adapt to the new situation?' she asked. Many families in communist-run Vietnam own at least two motorcycles for daily commutes, school runs, work and leisure. Proposals to reform transport for environmental reasons often sparks allegations the burden of change is felt highest by the working class. London has since 2023 charged a toll for older, higher pollution-emitting vehicles. France's populist 'Yellow Vest' protests starting in 2018 were in part sparked by allegations President Emmanuel Macron's 'green tax' on fuel was unfair for the masses. 'Cost too high' Hanoi authorities say they are considering alleviating the financial burden by offering subsidies of at least three million dong per switch to an e-bike, and also increasing public bus services. Hanoi authorities say they are considering alleviating the financial burden by offering subsidies of at least three million dong per switch to an e-bike, and also increasing public bus services. — AFP pic Food delivery driver Tran Van Tan, who rides his bike 40 kilometres (25 miles) every day from neighbouring Hung Yen province to downtown Hanoi, says he makes his living 'on the road'. 'The cost of changing to an e-bike is simply too high,' said the 45-year-old, employed through the delivery app Grab. 'Those with a low income like us just cannot suddenly replace our bikes.' Compared with a traditional two-wheeler, he also fears the battery life of e-bikes 'won't meet the needs for long-distance travel'. But citing air pollution as a major threat to human health, the environment and quality of life, deputy mayor Duong Duc Tuan earlier this week said 'drastic measures are needed'. In a recent report, Hanoi's environment and agriculture ministry said over half of the poisonous smog that blankets the city for much of the year comes from petrol and diesel vehicles. The World Bank puts the figure at 30 per cent, with factories and waste incineration also major culprits. Several European cities, such as Barcelona, Paris and Amsterdam have also limited the use of internal combustion engines on their streets — and other major Vietnamese cities are looking to follow suit. The southern business hub Ho Chi Minh City aims to gradually transition delivery and service motorbikes to electric over the next few years. But with the high costs, office worker Nguyen My Hoa thinks the capital's ban will not be enforceable. 'Authorities will not be able to stop the huge amount of gasoline bikes from entering the inner districts,' 42-year-old Hoa said. 'It simply does not work.' — AFP
CNA
3 days ago
- Automotive
- CNA
Hanoi scooter riders baulk at petrol-powered bikes ban
HANOI: Vietnam's plan to bar gas-guzzling motorbikes from central Hanoi may clear the air of the smog-smothered capital, but riders fear paying a high toll for the capital's green transition. "Of course everyone wants a better environment," said housewife Dang Thuy Hanh, baulking at the 80 million dong (US$3,000) her family would spend replacing their four scooters with electric alternatives. "But why give us the first burden without any proper preparation?" grumbled the 52-year-old. Hanoi's scooter traffic is a fixture of the city's urban buzz. The northern hub of nine million people has nearly seven million two-wheelers, hurtling around at rush hour in a morass of congestion. Their exhausts splutter emissions regularly spurring the city to the top of worldwide smog rankings in a country where pollution claims at least 70,000 lives a year, according to the World Health Organization. The government last weekend announced plans to block fossil-fuelled bikes from Hanoi's 31 sq km centre by next July. It will expand in stages to forbid all gas-fuelled vehicles in urban areas of the city in the next five years. Hanh - one of the 600,000 people living in the central embargo zone - said the looming cost of e-bikes has left her fretting over the loss of "a huge amount of savings". While she conceded e-bikes may help relieve pollution, she bemoaned the lack of public charging points near her home down a tiny alley in the heart of the city. "Why force residents to change while the city's infrastructure is not yet able to adapt to the new situation?" she asked. Many families in communist-run Vietnam own at least two motorcycles for daily commutes, school runs, work and leisure. Proposals to reform transport for environmental reasons often sparks allegations the burden of change is felt highest by the working class. London has since 2023 charged a toll for older, higher pollution-emitting vehicles. France's populist "Yellow Vest" protests starting in 2018 were in part sparked by allegations President Emmanuel Macron's "green tax" on fuel was unfair for the masses. 'COST TO HIGH' Hanoi authorities say they are considering alleviating the financial burden by offering subsidies of at least three million dong per switch to an e-bike, and also increasing public bus services. Food delivery driver Tran Van Tan, who rides his bike 40km every day from neighbouring Hung Yen province to downtown Hanoi, says he makes his living "on the road". "The cost of changing to an e-bike is simply too high," said the 45-year-old, employed through the delivery app Grab. "Those with a low income like us just cannot suddenly replace our bikes." Compared with a traditional two-wheeler, he also fears the battery life of e-bikes "won't meet the needs for long-distance travel". But citing air pollution as a major threat to human health, the environment and quality of life, deputy mayor Duong Duc Tuan earlier this week said "drastic measures are needed". In a recent report, Hanoi's environment and agriculture ministry said over half of the poisonous smog that blankets the city for much of the year comes from petrol and diesel vehicles. The World Bank puts the figure at 30 per cent, with factories and waste incineration also major culprits. Several European cities, such as Barcelona, Paris and Amsterdam have also limited the use of internal combustion engines on their streets - and other major Vietnamese cities are looking to follow suit. The southern business hub Ho Chi Minh City aims to gradually transition delivery and service motorbikes to electric over the next few years. But with the high costs, office worker Nguyen My Hoa thinks the capital's ban will not be enforceable. "Authorities will not be able to stop the huge amount of gasoline bikes from entering the inner districts," 42-year-old Hoa said.
RNZ News
13-07-2025
- RNZ News
Tauranga parks plagued by illegal motorbike riders, safety fears grow
Buddy Mikaere said noise from the bikes echoes through the neighbourhood. Photo: LDR / Brydie Thompson A "plague of hoons" on motorbikes riding illegally in Tauranga parks has neighbours fed up and worried about people's safety after near misses. Buddy Mikaere lives in Gate Pā and said the bikes had been ridden in Kōpūrererua Valley most days since the start of the year. The entrances to the wetland were clearly marked "No Motorbikes", but these signs were ignored, he said. He was "really worried" about walkers and cyclists through the valley because he'd seen them forced off the tracks by motorbikes. "There is a plague of hoons on motorbikes tearing up the grass verges and doing wheelies on the gravel paths, spraying gravel everywhere, forcing people off the tracks." A recent incident involved a woman pushing a pram, he said. Mikaere said his attempts to speak to the motorcyclists about their behaviour were met with a "f*** you" before they drove off. "Off they go waving their finger in the air." Motorbikes have dug up grass and gravel paths at the reserve on Tom Muir Drive in Gate Pā. Photo: LDR / Brydie Thompson Noise from the bikes echoed through the neighbourhood and bikes had been driven on to the Gate Pā Historic Reserve, which had totara tree memorial groves for Tauranga's war dead, the historian said. "You can hear them tearing around." Mikaere believed it was the same people all the time because he'd seen three bikers, none with licence plates or helmets. He also had concerns that plants were being damaged and for the "burgeoning bird life". The 300ha Kōpūrererua Valley is one of Australasia's largest urban wetlands. Mikaere ran a bait trail in the valley with his Rotary Club that was serviced fortnightly, so he often saw the damage. "You can see where the bikes have been, doing wheelies on the paths and digging up all the gravel and stuff like that." Tauranga City Council signage discouraging motorbikes is in place at most parks in the city. Photo: LDR / Brydie Thompson Mikaere had contacted the Tauranga City Council about the motorbike riders but he said he hadn't gone to the police because the bikes had no plates. He would like the see the motorbikes taken off the riders. Jeremy Weaver lives across from the reserve on Tom Muir Drive where riders entered the valley. "The motorbikes are just loud and dangerous. They just go as fast as they possibly can and make as much noise as they can. "They're farm bikes blatting around, making it unpleasant for anyone else that wants to use the area." He shared concerns for the safety of people using the reserves. The bikes were not roadworthy; one had no muffler or lights and was being driven at any time of the night, Weaver said. It could be 11pm, 1am or 6am. Around a month ago a 6am rider also fired what Weaver suspected was a shotgun, possibly shooting game birds, he said. Weaver wanted the council to install staggered barriers to prevent the bikes getting into the parks. He also wanted more "No Motorbikes" signs, for the riders to be fined and, if that did not work, then confiscation of the bikes. Kōpūrererua Valley is one of Australasia's largest urban wetlands. Photo: LDR / Alex Cairns Council community services general manager Barbara Dempsey said motorbike use and vandalism were ongoing challenges across the reserves, including Kōpūrererua Valley. The council received a report in June of a ute and dirt bike driving through Gate Pā Reserve, but no other recent complaints, she said. The council was unable to enforce moving vehicle violations, so dangerous, inconsiderate, or damaging motorbike riding behaviour was a matter for the police, Dempsey said. "Motorbike use across our reserve network is not explicitly prohibited under Tauranga City Council bylaws, although there are restrictions for vehicle use in the Reserves Act." There were infringement options under the Reserves Act, but the council was unable to issue them, she said. Kōpūrererua Valley was intended for pedestrian and cycle use, Dempsey said. There were "No Motorbikes" signs at Kōpūrererua Valley and across the reserves to discourage motorbike access, she said. The council was also looking at different barrier design options for park entrances to help prevent motorbikes from entering. "Finding solutions that reduce motorbike use without blocking access for legitimate users can be difficult." Barriers that stopped motorbikes could also make it harder for cyclists, people with prams, wheelchair users and mobility scooters, she said. If people saw someone riding a motorbike in a reserve, they should contact the police by calling 111, Dempsey said. Western Bay of Plenty road policing manager Senior Sergeant Wayne Hunter. Photo: LDR / Alex Cairns The Western Bay of Plenty's road policing manager, Senior Sergeant Wayne Hunter, said police received reports and were aware of dirt bikes being ridden in Gate Pā Reserve and Kōpūrererua Valley. The council set the bylaws about whether the riding was illegal, but when there was a threat to the public or damage occurred it became a police matter, he said. "Police can seize vehicles if they are being operated in a dangerous manner." If people saw unsafe driving or someone was in immediate danger, they should call 111, Hunter said. Non-emergencies could also be reported by calling 105. - LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Yahoo
Dean Barnes trial: Burglary victim cleared of causing death by dangerous driving as thief on stolen bike convicted
A burglary victim who chased down thieves after they stole motorbikes from his home has been found not guilty of causing one of their deaths in an ensuing chase. The thief who was driving Dean Barnes on a stolen motorbike has been convicted. Barnes, 16, was riding as a pillion passenger when the bike he was travelling on crashed, while being pursued through Stockport by Callum Duncan. Barnes was riding in a bike being driven by Adam Norman, which crashed after it clipped an innocent woman's car. He was killed instantly. Norman was 'lucky' and was able to walk away from the collision. READ MORE: 'She's going home to die... it hasn't hit us, it feels like we're in a bad dream' READ MORE: Incredible plans announced to build a Manchester city centre underground network Mr Duncan, 28, was not accused of colliding with the bike being driven by Norman, but he was accused of contributing to the crash. After a two week trial at Minshull Street Crown Court, Mr Duncan, of Salisbury Street in Reddish, was found not guilty of causing death by dangerous driving. Sign up to the MEN Court newsletter here Norman, who had already admitted burglary, was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving. Another man, Alexander Riley, who was out stealing the bikes with Norman and Barnes, has also admitted burglary. Norman, 36, of no fixed address but from Brinnington; and Riley 21, of Blackberry Lane in Brinnington; will be sentenced in September. Tributes were paid to Barnes at the time of his death by his family. A loved one said: "He was such a dare devil but sweet boy, and he will be truly missed on the estate. "There's not a day that will go by where no one won't think about him because he was so loved by his family, friends and the big community. Another young life taken far to soon, we'll see you on the other side of the stars Deano." Prosecutors told how the Norman, Riley and Barnes went out in the early hours to commit a burglary at a house in Harewood Grove, Reddish. They knew bikes were stored in a shed after seeing one for sale on Facebook Marketplace, the trial heard. A drill and bolt croppers were used to break into the shed, at about 6.30am that morning. Barnes took a small Yamaha PW50, commonly known as a 'Pee Wee', Riley rode a larger Kawasaki and Norman took the largest bike, a white and black Husqvarna. The Husqvarna belonged to Mr Duncan, and the two other bikes belonged to his family and friends. Having heard the break-in, Mr Duncan gave chase in his Golf GTI. Shortly after realising they were being chased, Barnes left the 'Pee Wee' behind and got on the back of the Husqvarna with Norman. Riley fled down Wharfdale Road. Mr Duncan was said to be travelling at up to 36mph in a 20mph zone and was seen to 'bounce' over speed bumps. He was closing the gap on the bike being driven by Norman. Riley turned right onto Gorton Road. Norman instead tried to ride straight, across two lanes of traffic, onto Ainsdale Grove, a residential road opposite. 'Sadly for Dean Barnes, Adam Norman didn't make it,' prosecutor Phil Barnes said. Sarah Ferrige, a driver 'doing absolutely nothing wrong', came along Gorton Road from the left. Norman clipped her car, and both men fell from the bike. Norman was 'lucky', Mr Barnes said, and was able to walk away from the crash. But Dean Barnes fell and hit a parked car, and was killed 'instantly'. Mr Duncan stopped before the collision and was not accused of colliding with the bike being driven by Norman. Mr Barnes said that Mr Duncan took the Husqvarna bike from the scene and brought it to his mother's house nearby. The 'Pee Wee' bike was later also returned to his possession. Mr Duncan only called the emergency services almost four hours later, the court heard. He then said he had 'only just realised how bad it was'. After being arrested shortly after, Mr Duncan replied 'no comment' to most questions, but added: 'I wasn't driving dangerously, didn't do nothing to cause the crash.' Join our Court and Crime WhatsApp group HERE Giving evidence, Mr Duncan said that morning he had heard 'bikes starting up'. He told jurors: "I looked out my window and saw three males in the road on my bikes. I realised my bikes had been taken, I kept three off-road bikes in my shed. "I went downstairs, found my keys, put my sliders on and a coat and got in my car. I was curious to see where they were going." Mr Duncan said he stopped at the junction prior to the crash because it was a 'busy main road'. He denied trying to 'ram' the bike, saying: "Otherwise I wouldn't have braked in the road." He said he didn't see the fatal collision, adding: "I just heard a bang. I can't really explain how I felt, I've never felt that way since." Norman went into 'hiding' after the incident and was only arrested on June 23, 2023. He replied 'no comment' to questions in his police interview. Mr Barnes said of Norman: 'In his desperation to get away from the crime he had just committed, he rode that already dangerous bike at a speed which was completely excessive for the road conditions, paying no heed to other traffic, failing to give way at the junction and barrelling through blindly in the vain hope that he would make it to the other side.'
BBC News
16-06-2025
- BBC News
Trio who stole cars and motorbikes across Staffordshire sentenced
Three men, who worked together to steal a number of cars, motorbikes and quadbikes, have been Halls, 23, of Wednesbury, Rio Halls, 19, of Walsall and Josh Gunter, 22, of Walsall, targeted a number of Ford vehicles and Land Rovers as well as motorbikes and quad said they focussed on homes in Rawnsley, Norton Canes, Great Wyrley, Featherstone and Kings Bromley in a trial at Stafford Crown Court on 10 June the trio were found guilty of offences including conspiracy to steal motor vehicles and theft. Det Con Steven Davenport said the investigation resulted in a significant disruption to vehicle theft. Bray Halls was found guilty of conspiracy to steal motor vehicles and sentenced 32 months. Rio Halls was found guilty of theft and sentenced to a 10-week detention and training order, while Josh Gunter was found guilty of theft. He was issued with a 12-month community order and ordered to carry out 50 hours of unpaid work. Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
