Around 200 Bangkokians Join In Car-Free Day Activities

[Lite Beer]

Around 200 Bangkokians join in car-free day activities

BANGKOK, July 10 - Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra led a group of environmentally-conscious bicyclists on car-free day on Sunday to encourage Bangkok residents to ride bikes and reduce pollution in the capital.

More than 200 people joined the first "Bangkok Car Free Sunday" presided over by the Bangkok governor at Lumpini Park.

The group later travelled by bike from Wireless Road to Ploenchit, Rajadamri, Silom and Sathorn roads.

The activity was jointly organised by Bangkok City Hall, the Cycling Network and the Green World Foundation with an aim to promoting pollution-free transportation.

Participants in these activities rode their bicycles to visit historic places and learn about the future of green areas as well as big trees along the way.

The Bangkok governor said more Bangkok residents should use bicycles instead of cars on Sunday for energy savings and environmental conservation.

The activities will be held on the first Sunday of every month.

He said now there are 28 bike routes, totalling 20 kilometres in length, which is deemed not enough. There are many limitations, particularly in inner Bangkok, where safety of cyclists is a concern due to heavy traffic, and motorists are not accustomed to having cyclists on the road.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is working with the Metropolitan Police to help direct traffic. The BMA is also planning to build more bike routes along newly-constructed roads. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-07-10

[rkidlad]

It's better than nothing.

[OzMick]

9,000,000+ and they got around 200. I wonder how many have a 4wd pickup in the garage.

[Lite Beer]

Bangkok Car Free Day commenced this morning

BANGKOK, 10 July 2011 (NNT)-Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra has opened Bangkok Car Free Sunday earlier this morning. The event was aimed at promoting pollution free environment for commuters was attended by 500 Bangkok residents.

In collaboration with Bangkok Bicycle Campaign and Bangkok Big Tree groups, participants were encouraged to commute between places by not harming the environment. Bicycles had been introduced as a means of transport during this event. Cyclers had a chance to learn more about trees while cycling along the streets of Bangkok.

Bangkok Governor admitted that there were not enough bicycle lanes due to physical features of the roads. In addition, Bangkok drivers often ignore small vehicles and many end up in accidents. The Governor said cooperation from various sectors was needed to make this happen.

MR Sukhumbhand further stated that Bangkok had 28 bicycle lanes of 20 kilometers long while there were over 130 rais of green areas. He expected over five thousand rais of greenery in the next 4 years.

-- NNT 2011-07-10

[Mosha]

How many police cars accompanied the governor?

[janverbeem]

from 130 Raiscurrently to over 5000 Rais of greenery in the next 4 years.Wishful thinking from the governors side I'm afraid.

Edited July 10, 2011 by janverbeem

[rubl]

By now all are probably back in their car or already home. Good, here in Khet Dusit it started to rain 10 minutes ago :-)

[Member]

200 ? are there still people who take them serious ? Fruitcake Nation they're only getting worse, LOL

Edited July 10, 2011 by Member