Use the links above to see more photos.

Part of the reason for all the congestion on Yangon streets is the ban on motorbikes that took effect about 10 years ago. I've asked around to try to discover the reason for the ban and have received 3 somewhat plausible answers.

One, the accident and death rate involving cyclists was too high. Another, that cyclists were too often flouting traffic regulations. But the third is my favorite and it's the one I'm going with. One day a cyclist came too close to a limo carrying a high-ranking general and directed an 'obscene gesture' at him.

But 3-wheeled tri-shaws are allowed and you often see them beetling about downtown.