The Golden Triangle Rider

[Davidfl]

http://www.kpl.net.la/

073106 - KPL News

(KPL) The number vehicles are on the increase and this creates other issue for the urban authorities and people to cope with.
Motorcycles are a convenient type of transportation in Vientiane and also affordable. The price of motorbikes in Vientiane Capital and other provinces are quite affordable according to the incomes of the people. Chinese-made motorbike cost USD 400 or 500 while rebuilt 1960s Japanese-made Honda Super Cub’s� is only USD400.
KOLAO has introduced motorbikes to the Lao market, but their price is a little bit higher than Chinese-made bikes. Japanese HONDA and SUSUKI are popular in Laos, but their price is higher than the Korean KOLAO. This growth has made more choices for Lao people.
This is one reason for an increase of motorbikes in Vientiane Capital as well as other provinces.
Besides motorbikes, the number of cars and light trucks is also on the increase. Laos imports both brand-new and used vehicles so people are more easily able to buy cars or light trucks than before. Compared with 10 years ago, Vientiane Capital roads in rush hour seem to be full of cars.
Foreseeing the problems associated with increased traffic, the Party and government have paid more attention to road safety. The National Assembly adopted the Road Traffic Law on 8 April 2000, aiming to determine principles, regulations and measures for the establishment, operation and administration of road traffic to facilitate the control of the movement of people and the use of various types of vehicles in lines of surface communication and transportation for convenience, safety and orderliness. Following this law, some regulations and measures to promote road users wear helmets and regularly check their vehicles were also adopted.
Besides these Laws and regulations, the main roads in Vientiane City were improved and road signs and traffic lights were installed to help road users avoid accidents. Now the improvement of some small roads in 100 villages have been completed.
Most road accidents in Laos, particularly Vientiane Capital, happen because people do not follow traffic rules and they drive even when drunk. Most motorcyclists, especially the young ones, are show-offs. It seems that they don't care about their lives and causing accidents.
The authorities concerned and people as well as international organisations are cooperating to encourage road users to follow traffic rules, aiming to save people's lives and property. Handicap International, for instance, in January 2003 started a road safety project together with the Ministry of Communications, Transport, Post and Construction.
Hopefully the police will make good use of the presented vehicles and equipment to help reduce traffic accidents and make the roads safer for all motorists.


<i>Comment: Ah yes I remember the good ol days. The "young ones, are show-offs" like the youth in most countries around the world.</i>

Davidfl
Keep The Power On

[Craypot]

why do you read this stuff???? KPL sheesh...
If you travelled from Bangkok to Vientiane and someone said rushhour.... you would think sleep hour.....

The road past the Lao Plaza is closed at the moment but hopefully will reopen soon. Its all been fun in vientiane this past week. We are having road works around my office and the works caused a tree to fall down blocking access all day....... TIL

Mike

[Davidfl]

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by Craypot</i>
<br />why do you read this stuff???? KPL sheesh...
If you travelled from Bangkok to Vientiane and someone said rushhour.... you would think sleep hour.....

The road past the Lao Plaza is closed at the moment but hopefully will reopen soon. Its all been fun in vientiane this past week. We are having road works around my office and the works caused a tree to fall down blocking access all day....... TIL

Mike
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">
Craypot
Not out riding, so need to entertain myself somehow - at least it go you & you read it.
It's actually better than Edwin's stuff slagging off rental bikes & the general motorcycle touring scene in North Thailand. Some people have nothing better to do with their lives....
Hope you're holding the fort at the Kopchaideu & Bor Pen Nyang for me
while I am away. Next trip over should be early October / late September, hope you are around for a ride then - North or South, Luang Prabang or Savannakhet is ok.
Should arrange another Mekong boat trip (with or without hacks) November or December if you're interested.

Davidfl
Keep The Power On