Bangkok urged to promote bicycle communities

[webfact]

 

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is being urged to promote the creation of bicycle “communities” in the capital, to encourage more people to turn to the bicycle as an alternative means of transport.

 

Professor Dr. Thongchai Panswad, an advisor to the Thailand Walking and Cycling Institute (TWCI) and a pioneer in the use of bicycles in Bangkok, said that it is difficult, in practice, to use bicycles to travel across Bangkok, because it covers such a large area.

 

He said that it is, however, possible to travel by bicycle in a limited area, for instance of not more than three kilometres, and suggests the concept bicycle communities.

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/bangkok-urged-to-promote-bicycle-communities/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-09-05

 

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[Burma Bill]

10 hours ago, webfact said:

promote the creation of bicycle “communities”

Oh dear, sadly how long before we read "pedal cyclists killed when hit by a speeding car"

[Doctor Tom]

Bicycling in a city, apart from the likes of Shanghai, with its properly segregated cycle lanes,  is tantamount to suicide. The London mess shows that all too well.

[VocalNeal]

I think if Professor Dr. Thongchai Panswad got out a bit more on foot or on a bicycle he would find many small soi communities where old ladies ride around on bicycles. But they don't usually go near or cross over heavily trafficked main roads. But they are slowly transitioning to electric bicycles if they can afford them.

Edited September 5, 2022 by VocalNeal

[richard_smith237]

The issue is of course an underlying ‘pseudo caste system’ of road users....

 

In the subconsciousness of road users cyclists and considered way down the pecking order such that they become invisible....   

 

In area’s were cycle lanes are provided, cars are parked, street vendors set up or in the countryside rice is dried....

 

Then of course its just to humid to enjoy riding anywhere if using the bicycle as a mode of transport instead of a bit of fun exercise... 

 

Getting the cycle lane at the airport is a chore....  Getting across to Bang Krachao is nice, but again, its a chore and a trip across there and back can consume a whole day. 

 

Cycling is great and encouraging is a great idea but roads are simply too busy with motorcycles and cars for cycling to be considered reliably safe in the city.