Two Wheeled Buffalos On Bangkok Sidewalks

[bkkjames]

Something I notice recently is a trend for lazy ass buffaloes to hop on a cheap bicycle during the morning rush hour to go on a grazing expedition up and down the sidewalks filled with pedestrians.

Usually found in groups of 3 or more, they have figured out that if they get on bike it serves two purposes. One, they don't have to walk 50 meters to their nearest point of food but more importantly, they feel if they are on their bike and ringing their bells that people will just give them the right of way.

Pretty clever to try and follow the motorbike on sidewalk lead, however I find it extremely annoying and inconsiderate and we must nip this in the bud.

How to deal with these rolling herds?

The most effective way to handle this is not to move. A snail paced game of chicken so to speak is especially handy for those coming up from behind with their cow bells a blaring. Pretend you don't hear them. Even pull out your phone and pretend to talk to enhance the overall experience.

For those approaching from the front, simply do the old 'left then right' routine as they get near.

It's bad enough trying to walk the city's sidewalks (potholes, broken bricks) while trying to get by 3 gals chatting side by side on what to have for lunch, now this. We have to be strong and say enough is enough. We are not gonna take it anymore. Time to reclaim our sidewalks!

Edited November 25, 2009 by bkkjames

[LuckyLew]

This will never change and mopeds and bikes will

always be seen on side walks in Thailand

You can do what I do and try knock them off, it

will teach one driver a lesson but will not stop the

rest of them

[Wolfie]

And knowing some of these Motorbike taxi drivers/riders - knocking them off is likely to end up with you in Hospital

[Hardback]

And knowing some of these Motorbike taxi drivers/riders - knocking them off is likely to end up with you in Hospital

Good advice although at times I am sorely tempted. I was once told that motorcycles were permitted on sidewalks/pavements any truth to this? I certainly hate feeling like I have to give way to motorized transport when I am using the pedestrian area. Just walking down my soi to the BTS is a massive chore at times.

[toptuan]

Take the OP's advice, don't move, and end up getting run down. It happens all the time.

Have a plan B? Oh, that's "Bump 'em off their bike" which will also end up with you in the hospital.

Plan "C" anyone?

[PattayaParent]

Haven't you noticed that some parts of the pavement on Sukhumvit are now designated as cycle lanes.

So the cycles have right of way, not pedestrians.

[bkkjames]

Haven't you noticed that some parts of the pavement on Sukhumvit are now designated as cycle lanes.

So the cycles have right of way, not pedestrians.

Stay focused people, we lost the motorbike fight but we still have hope for the bicycles on footpaths. Those white lines they painted were not for two wheels modes of transport although they appeared to be, they were in fact put there to give the vendors some guidance as to how wide could they push it.

Back to buffaloes, they aren't racing along like you see on the tour de france more like the tour de france fries.

[Jimjim]

I don't really care about bicycles but motorbikes on sidewalks is my number one most annoying thing about Bangkok. Bugs the hel_l out of me.

[bkkjames]

I don't really care about bicycles but motorbikes on sidewalks is my number one most annoying thing about Bangkok. Bugs the hel_l out of me.

I dont like them either but unless there is a super traffic jam on the road it's only one meat head you have to deal with. While in bitching mode, those guys that wheel out their big metal carts to set up their lil shops of t-shirts and other crap in lower sukhumvit are something else. I wonder how many blind people get run over by these guys.

[rgs2001uk]

I don't really care about bicycles but motorbikes on sidewalks is my number one most annoying thing about Bangkok. Bugs the hel_l out of me.

I dont like them either but unless there is a super traffic jam on the road it's only one meat head you have to deal with. While in bitching mode, those guys that wheel out their big metal carts to set up their lil shops of t-shirts and other crap in lower sukhumvit are something else. I wonder how many blind people get run over by these guys.

^, I hear the tourists love it, a sight of old Siam.

Try the same area at 3 in the morning, cyclists and junk vendors are the least of your worries.

[junglist]

nails make nice holes. 5555

[Ulysses G.]

Chiang Mai just put in new bicycle lnes again and they are backwards from regular traffic. It seems to give morons the right to ride motorcycles in both directions.

You have to wonder if noone in charge could see this comiing.

[zzdocxx]

Who or what are the buffaloes to whom you refer?

[Jdietz]

I was once told that motorcycles were permitted on sidewalks/pavements any truth to this?

Yes, this is true, motorcycles can use the sidewalks, it's the law. So fighting it would be pointless and most likely get you in jail, after you're released from the hospital.

[phetaroi]

I don't really care about bicycles but motorbikes on sidewalks is my number one most annoying thing about Bangkok. Bugs the hel_l out of me.

I agree...in fact, probably my biggest aggravation living here. I don't confront them, but neither do a leap out of the way. When I'm on a street where they are common on the sidewalks, I walk to one side giving them -- in general -- wide berth. But I don't weave all over the sidewalk to give them 20 different routes. I don't trust the motorcycle taxis drivers...they're dumb and dirty, with few exceptions.

[PattayaParent]

You should be happy that the pavements have been improved to such a condition that bicycles and motorcy have designated lanes on them.

It wasn't that long ago that all the motocy taxis refused to ride on the pavements 'cos they were in such a bad condition.

[bkkjames]

Who or what are the buffaloes to whom you refer?

The people riding the bicycles. Next time I won't use such coded language so as not to confuse anyone.

[toptuan]

You should be happy that the pavements have been improved to such a condition that bicycles and motorcy have designated lanes on them.

It wasn't that long ago that all the motocy taxis refused to ride on the pavements 'cos they were in such a bad condition.

Well now THAT'S progress!! Our apologies for suggesting otherwise!