Bangkok Set To Launch Bicycle Rentals

[HerbalEd]

One of the better ideas, but with the pollution, heat, rainy season and general driving skills the BTS still sounds a better safer bet!

Krungthep Thanakom has tried many times but always failed to promote greater use of bicycles in the capital in recent years. For example, its bicycle lanes have been largely ignored.

So now they are not going to be ignored? 100 accidents waiting to happen? A test of the insurance cover will prove interesting!

How many Thai's and 'Dont give a shit' tourists will abuse the system? Bt 400 to join and one day's rent for a Bt 8,000 cycle could possibly equal one dodgy I.D. card and a few 1,000 profit?

Yeah ... I'm sure they never considered that. How smart you are.

[Colabamumbai]

Do they mean like theft and rentals, or more like jet ski rentals?

[MaxYakov]

Even though the bicycle has been my primary mode of transport just about everywhere in Bangkok over the past three years, I don't hold much hope for this effort. They should improve the antiquated bus system IMHO, as that would improve the transportation for a greater number of people. I subject myself to the rolling torture chambers myself occasionally, but would still rather bike it than subject myself to them.

For you folks who believe that the high level of pollution is an argument against bicycling, I believe you are at the same or even greater risk of breathing pollutants when walking. This was brought up to me someone a few days ago and on the return trip I realized that I wasn't breathing as hard when keeping a medium speed as I would have been had I been walking and covering distance much faster, minimizing my exposure time. I certainly was not breathing as hard as I would have been had I been jogging and still moving faster than a jogger. Bicycles are a very efficient form of transportation. More efficient than walking? I would say so.

In my early web readings of bicycling in Bangkok, I ran across this web site that I'd like to share with you:

http://www.kutu.com/...bike/bybike.htm

Buried within is something that is claimed to be a 'Survival Guide'. I'm going to make comments (in bold italics) that are based my three years of experience of bicycling in Bangkok. I would rather believe that the Survival Guide was an attempt at humor, but I don't believe that to be the case. Here it is:

Survival Guide

Want to give it a try ? Here are the rules:

1. Don't be a nice guy. If there is little space, ride in the middle of the road to prevent motorists from doing things that could hurt you. Surely, they will be very angry, but they won't run over you. If you instead move to the side of the road, vehicles will speed up while something unexpected (let's say a hole or a dog) could make you move back into the lane.
   Very bad advice! Give the right of way to all motorized vehicles AND pedestrians. This advice will irritate drivers and could lead to road rage. If necessary, walk the bike and become a pedestrian for a short period.
   
2. Confuse drivers: If a fast vehicle approaches, you must move about one meter towards the center of the lane, then quickly come back. The driver will be confused and will either reduce speed or keep a safe distance to you. If you don't do this, the draft of the vehicle at close distance could throw you off the bike or a mirror could hit you.
   Again, very bad advice. Appearing to be 'unpredictable' to an approaching anything is the last thing one should do. I've never experienced any kind of 'draft' of a vehicle that would have thrown me off the bike, but my handlebar was hit by a mirror once because I was really not over as far as I should/could have been. Of course, the main threat is a full-on rear ending by a high-speed vehicle which one should be alert for at at all times.
   
3. Do not indicate a turn by stretching out your arm: Drivers will either hit your arm, or speed up to get past you before you actually turn. Simply make sure that there is enough space for drivers to react and slow down, then do the turn slowly, while you carefully watch the approaching vehicles.
   This Is complete nonsense, although I personally rarely indicate a turn, but not for the reasons mentioned. I could make a case for having bicycles equipped with turn indicator lights and have seen at least one bicycle that has them. Whether one slows or not for the turn is determined by the specific situation.
   
4. Don't let public busses go past you, when the next stop is in sight. Being at your hight, the bus will pull to the side of the road and force you into a crowd of people waiting for this bus
   Yes, if you are an imcompetent bicyclist by being completely devoid of 'situational awareness', this could happen. So how is the author proposing to not let public busses 'go past you'? If one cannot deal intelligently and safely with busses (as well as several other problematic situations), they should not be bicycling in Bangkok.
   
5. Try not to dodge minor objects (holes, pedestrians, dogs) without being very sure that no car or motorbike is coming from behind. It helps to have a mountainbike, it can stand a lot more than a roadbike.
   Yes, but one doesn't want to risk an upset by hitting objects in one's path either. This speaks to situational awareness as well. One should be aware of all nearby potential threats at all times so that an evasive maneuver can be performed when necessary. At least one rearview mirror and using it often are mandatory.
   
6. Know your traffic partners: Colliding with a motorbike causes a lot of injury. Hitting a car, badly damages the bike but the rider often slides smoothly over bonnet or roof. Pedestrians and dogs will be propelled away when hit, and often you will stay in the saddle with zero damage to the bike.
   Knowing your traffic partners, as the author put it, is good advice. The remainder of the author's point is very speculative and bordering on black humor. He seems to have had experience hitting pedestrians and dogs and being hit by automobiles.
   
7. Taxis and TukTuks: Be very careful when you follow them, they can stop instantly if a potential passenger appears. A good brake will help, but always think of the guy behind you.
   Be very careful when following anything would have been superior advice, since any vehicle could stop 'instantly' (if that is possible) at any time. If one is following so closely, that an evasive maneuver is not possible (rather than breaking), then one should review their defensive-bicycling tactics.
   
8. Maintain speed: If you go slow, drivers tend to push you to the slower lanes were many funny things happen (and many Taxis linger). If you go really slow, beggars may approach you.
   I don't know where or how the author does his or her biking, but if he or she is out in fast lanes and impeding motorized traffic, he's asking for trouble and may even be breaking the law (not that would be a big issue). One should have a racing bike and be race-capable to be coexisting with higher-speed motorized traffic in fast lanes; but even then it would be risky business.
   
9. Keep in mind that pedestrians don't expect traffic when they don't hear an engine. People step into the road without looking.
   There is often a high noise level on the streets so hearing the engine on an approaching vehicle is often unlikely. In any event, it is the bicyclist's responsibility to be aware of anything that could become in your path and deal with it. A bell is mandatory, but it should be used with discretion.
   
10. Don't count on people to hear your bell: Bells are associated with street vendors and when you ring it, you will make people think of fried noodles or ice cream. A pressure horn instead will give you attention. Anything that sounds like screeching tires will give you a lot more attention.
    Yes. One wouldn't want pedestians to think you're selling fried noodles or ice cream, would one? All seriousness aside, using a warning bell or a horn when approaching pedestrians from behind (not limited to sidewalks in Bangkok - especially Sukumvit) is problematic, but not for the reason mentioned. If on the sidewalk, you are really an interloper, in spite of the lame attempt of whomever to paint bicycle paths on sidwalks here there and act accordingly. Always give pedestrians (and all other vehichles) the right-of-way.
    
11. Stay clear of cars that have oversized tires protruding from the fenders.
    This could have been abbreviated to 'stay clear of cars', perhaps. I don't know where the author has been bicycling, but if one is in danger of hitting protruding, oversized tires maybe they should consider increasing their distance from cars as a matter of general policy. I have yet to see this in Bangkok in three years of bicycling.
    
12. Rain: Follow in someone else's track as to avoid covered holes. Be prepared to get out of the way, a lot of drivers don't reduce their speed in water while accidents definitely happen.
    This advice is specious because one probably shouldn't even be bicycling in the rain on the road for starters and certainly not where autos have left a water-clear track. Leave this activity to the motorbike-taxis who have to risk it to make a living.
    
13. In the dark, use a strong light and plenty of reflectors. This will give you a tremendous safety advantage over the local cyclists.
    Of course one should be as visible as possible. I purchased (but don't use much) a motorbike-taxi style vest with reflective tape front and back. One should wear light-colored or highly visible clothing. Sometimes I even wear a full motorbike style helmet, which has greatly surprised people on occasion.
    
14. Avoid areas of little traffic after 4pm, when dogs go aggressive and attack fast-moving objects. When you stop abruptly, most dogs scatter. Shoot stones at those who stay on you (and at their owner, for a more permanent effect).
    Once again, I don't know where the author has been touring, but this advice also cannot be distinguished by me from humor. Yes, I've been attacked and chased a few times by dogs. One time it was a whole pack of very aggressive ones at night on Petchaburi. In all cases, I got my legs out of danger and just kept going - nothing more.
    
15. Know a good hospital and have a proper insurance, just in case.
    And if one doesn't have insurance (proper or otherwise)? He forgot to mention identification and a credit card or a lot of cash.
    

Edited October 25, 2012 by MaxYakov

[MaxYakov]

Apart from BTS stations, there are very few places where you can chain up a bike to prevent it from being stolen. And those at the BTS stations are laughable. If you have a half decent bike, the biggest worry is having it stolen rather than the traffic which you get used to soon enough. But then I do most of my riding in the burbs.

For you and any others who think securing a bicycle with a cable/chain lock in Bangkok is a big problem, it is not in my experience of three years. Occasionally, one might have to get creative, but, in general, a bicycle can be secured in the motorbike area of any of the major stores or shopping centers such as Robinsons, Big-C, Terminal 21, Foodland, etc. For fast stops at 7-11s or Family Marts, I often take the bike into the store with me and sometimes use it as a shopping basket as well. I've never had a complaint.

Agree that the BTS station bicycle facilities are a joke and would never even attempt to secure a bicycle there. I just take the bike on the train with me so it's available at my destination. However, since they have opened the new line and the trains are more crowded, I simply bike the distance instead of using BTS and save the fare.

[lujanit]

I can see the carnage now when the motorcycle and the bicycle meet in a head on. Take your pick of location (footpath; motorcycle coming down the wrong side of the road).

[fire and ice]

Any Thai who wants to nip about Bangkok and get through traffic just uses a motorbike. Why would more than a handful choose to use a bicycle instead?

[CosmicSurfer]

Bangkok Bike Path > Enough Said!

CS

[GarryP]

Apart from BTS stations, there are very few places where you can chain up a bike to prevent it from being stolen. And those at the BTS stations are laughable. If you have a half decent bike, the biggest worry is having it stolen rather than the traffic which you get used to soon enough. But then I do most of my riding in the burbs.

For you and any others who think securing a bicycle with a cable/chain lock in Bangkok is a big problem, it is not in my experience of three years. Occasionally, one might have to get creative, but, in general, a bicycle can be secured in the motorbike area of any of the major stores or shopping centers such as Robinsons, Big-C, Terminal 21, Foodland, etc. For fast stops at 7-11s or Family Marts, I often take the bike into the store with me and sometimes use it as a shopping basket as well. I've never had a complaint.

Agree that the BTS station bicycle facilities are a joke and would never even attempt to secure a bicycle there. I just take the bike on the train with me so it's available at my destination. However, since they have opened the new line and the trains are more crowded, I simply bike the distance instead of using BTS and save the fare.

Max I agree with your comments on the previous post. However, as to locking up the bike, I am not visiting department stores or shopping centers most of the time (when I do I always lock up to a rail in the motorbike areas). I bike around Lat Krabang, Bang Krajao, Samut Prakan, etc. Chaining the bike to a tree and leaving it while I wander around is not an option. The odd temple I visit may have a few metal posts I can chain the bike to but other than not it is down to find the the nearest road sign which is often in a very conspicuous place that only invites an attempt at theft.

[ikbenhet]

lan envisions 50 stations with 330 bicycles in bid to cut traffic congestion

In a city with millions off people. I think its not going to do anything to cut traffic congestion.

[Dap]

I do not think it will fly in Bangkok simply because drivers (not to mention the bus's, taxi's and motocy's) in Bangkok will NOT easily share the roads and too many people will "crash and burn". There needs to be some serious traffic control in the city requiring "actual" traffic laws to be upheld by (both) drivers and police, and THAT alone will be the demise of this plan. I have been riding bikes internationally and in all conditions most of my life and can suggest that it is easier and quicker to get across Bangkok (city) via back sois and short-cuts than to transit by taxi (taximotocy notwithstanding). That said, until there is some semblance of law and order enacted on the city streets, riding a bicycle through Bangkok (for most folk) is a pipe dream or fullfilling a death wish. Good Luck!

[MaxYakov]

Bangkok Bike Path > Enough Said!

CS

Great shots that illustrate the very poorly-considered sidewalk bike lanes, not to mention the overzealous actions of sidewalk vendors. Unless one is actually shopping with their bicycle, he or she should be on the street with their bike - making much better travel time and avoiding the risk of a collision with a pedestrian or vendors' goods.

The bicycle rental plan is as ill-considered as were the sidewalk bike lanes, IMHO.

[vijer]

Sure, most tourists are scared at the thought of driving in BKK, how in the world do they expect any tourists to ride a bike in this traffic?

[MaxYakov]

Any Thai who wants to nip about Bangkok and get through traffic just uses a motorbike. Why would more than a handful choose to use a bicycle instead?

Ask the Thais (and farangs) that are actually out there on bicycles. In lieu of that, there are the inevitable top ten crazy reasons:

1) They crashed their motorbike one drunken night and ...

2) They are concerned about the environment

3) They are part of the Thai counter-culture

4) They are members of the flat earth society

5) Internal combustion motors scare them

6) Reverse status-seeking

7) If it's good for farangs, it must be good for them

8) Had their motorbike stolen (or re-possessed) recently

9) Their girlfriend (or boyfriend) ran off, literally, with their motorbike

10) They have a death wish

Edited October 25, 2012 by MaxYakov

[MaxYakov]

Sure, most tourists are scared at the thought of driving in BKK, how in the world do they expect any tourists to ride a bike in this traffic?

I must admit that, initially, the idea of riding a bicycle on Bangkok streets seemed suicidal. But as I learned over time to deal with it, I actually don't mind it so much. To me, the scariest traffic is the high-speed off-hours type, so I avoid after dark, non-rush hour times and/or spend a higher percentage of the trip on sidewalks during the more risky hours. Heavy traffic, especially when it is grid-lock, may cost me a little in transit time, but it is far safer, in terms of potential collisions with other vehicles.

In truth, the adventurous tourists do bicycle tours, but they are guided tours and use the quieter streets.

[tfc]

Even though the bicycle has been my primary mode of transport just about everywhere in Bangkok over the past three years, I don't hold much hope for this effort. They should improve the antiquated bus system IMHO, as that would improve the transportation for a greater number of people. I subject myself to the rolling torture chambers myself occasionally, but would still rather bike it than subject myself to them.

For you folks who believe that the high level of pollution is an argument against bicycling, I believe you are at the same or even greater risk of breathing pollutants when walking. This was brought up to me someone a few days ago and on the return trip I realized that I wasn't breathing as hard when keeping a medium speed as I would have been had I been walking and covering distance much faster, minimizing my exposure time. I certainly was not breathing as hard as I would have been had I been jogging and still moving faster than a jogger. Bicycles are a very efficient form of transportation. More efficient than walking? I would say so.

In my early web readings of bicycling in Bangkok, I ran across this web site that I'd like to share with you:

http://www.kutu.com/...bike/bybike.htm

Buried within is something that is claimed to be a 'Survival Guide'. I'm going to make comments (in bold italics) that are based my three years of experience of bicycling in Bangkok. I would rather believe that the Survival Guide was an attempt at humor, but I don't believe that to be the case. Here it is:

Survival Guide

Want to give it a try ? Here are the rules:

1. Don't be a nice guy. If there is little space, ride in the middle of the road to prevent motorists from doing things that could hurt you. Surely, they will be very angry, but they won't run over you. If you instead move to the side of the road, vehicles will speed up while something unexpected (let's say a hole or a dog) could make you move back into the lane.
   Very bad advice! Give the right of way to all motorized vehicles AND pedestrians. This advice will irritate drivers and could lead to road rage. If necessary, walk the bike and become a pedestrian for a short period.
   
2. Confuse drivers: If a fast vehicle approaches, you must move about one meter towards the center of the lane, then quickly come back. The driver will be confused and will either reduce speed or keep a safe distance to you. If you don't do this, the draft of the vehicle at close distance could throw you off the bike or a mirror could hit you.
   Again, very bad advice. Appearing to be 'unpredictable' to an approaching anything is the last thing one should do. I've never experienced any kind of 'draft' of a vehicle that would have thrown me off the bike, but my handlebar was hit by a mirror once because I was really not over as far as I should/could have been. Of course, the main threat is a full-on rear ending by a high-speed vehicle which one should be alert for at at all times.
   
3. Do not indicate a turn by stretching out your arm: Drivers will either hit your arm, or speed up to get past you before you actually turn. Simply make sure that there is enough space for drivers to react and slow down, then do the turn slowly, while you carefully watch the approaching vehicles.
   This Is complete nonsense, although I personally rarely indicate a turn, but not for the reasons mentioned. I could make a case for having bicycles equipped with turn indicator lights and have seen at least one bicycle that has them. Whether one slows or not for the turn is determined by the specific situation.
   
4. Don't let public busses go past you, when the next stop is in sight. Being at your hight, the bus will pull to the side of the road and force you into a crowd of people waiting for this bus
   Yes, if you are an imcompetent bicyclist by being completely devoid of 'situational awareness', this could happen. So how is the author proposing to not let public busses 'go past you'? If one cannot deal intelligently and safely with busses (as well as several other problematic situations), they should not be bicycling in Bangkok.
   
5. Try not to dodge minor objects (holes, pedestrians, dogs) without being very sure that no car or motorbike is coming from behind. It helps to have a mountainbike, it can stand a lot more than a roadbike.
   Yes, but one doesn't want to risk an upset by hitting objects in one's path either. This speaks to situational awareness as well. One should be aware of all nearby potential threats at all times so that an evasive maneuver can be performed when necessary. At least one rearview mirror and using it often are mandatory.
   
6. Know your traffic partners: Colliding with a motorbike causes a lot of injury. Hitting a car, badly damages the bike but the rider often slides smoothly over bonnet or roof. Pedestrians and dogs will be propelled away when hit, and often you will stay in the saddle with zero damage to the bike.
   Knowing your traffic partners, as the author put it, is good advice. The remainder of the author's point is very speculative and bordering on black humor. He seems to have had experience hitting pedestrians and dogs and being hit by automobiles.
   
7. Taxis and TukTuks: Be very careful when you follow them, they can stop instantly if a potential passenger appears. A good brake will help, but always think of the guy behind you.
   Be very careful when following anything would have been superior advice, since any vehicle could stop 'instantly' (if that is possible) at any time. If one is following so closely, that an evasive maneuver is not possible (rather than breaking), then one should review their defensive-bicycling tactics.
   
8. Maintain speed: If you go slow, drivers tend to push you to the slower lanes were many funny things happen (and many Taxis linger). If you go really slow, beggars may approach you.
   I don't know where or how the author does his or her biking, but if he or she is out in fast lanes and impeding motorized traffic, he's asking for trouble and may even be breaking the law (not that would be a big issue). One should have a racing bike and be race-capable to be coexisting with higher-speed motorized traffic in fast lanes; but even then it would be risky business.
   
9. Keep in mind that pedestrians don't expect traffic when they don't hear an engine. People step into the road without looking.
   There is often a high noise level on the streets so hearing the engine on an approaching vehicle is often unlikely. In any event, it is the bicyclist's responsibility to be aware of anything that could become in your path and deal with it. A bell is mandatory, but it should be used with discretion.
   
10. Don't count on people to hear your bell: Bells are associated with street vendors and when you ring it, you will make people think of fried noodles or ice cream. A pressure horn instead will give you attention. Anything that sounds like screeching tires will give you a lot more attention.
    Yes. One wouldn't want pedestians to think you're selling fried noodles or ice cream, would one? All seriousness aside, using a warning bell or a horn when approaching pedestrians from behind (not limited to sidewalks in Bangkok - especially Sukumvit) is problematic, but not for the reason mentioned. If on the sidewalk, you are really an interloper, in spite of the lame attempt of whomever to paint bicycle paths on sidwalks here there and act accordingly. Always give pedestrians (and all other vehichles) the right-of-way.
    
11. Stay clear of cars that have oversized tires protruding from the fenders.
    This could have been abbreviated to 'stay clear of cars', perhaps. I don't know where the author has been bicycling, but if one is in danger of hitting protruding, oversized tires maybe they should consider increasing their distance from cars as a matter of general policy. I have yet to see this in Bangkok in three years of bicycling.
    
12. Rain: Follow in someone else's track as to avoid covered holes. Be prepared to get out of the way, a lot of drivers don't reduce their speed in water while accidents definitely happen.
    This advice is specious because one probably shouldn't even be bicycling in the rain on the road for starters and certainly not where autos have left a water-clear track. Leave this activity to the motorbike-taxis who have to risk it to make a living.
    
13. In the dark, use a strong light and plenty of reflectors. This will give you a tremendous safety advantage over the local cyclists.
    Of course one should be as visible as possible. I purchased (but don't use much) a motorbike-taxi style vest with reflective tape front and back. One should wear light-colored or highly visible clothing. Sometimes I even wear a full motorbike style helmet, which has greatly surprised people on occasion.
    
14. Avoid areas of little traffic after 4pm, when dogs go aggressive and attack fast-moving objects. When you stop abruptly, most dogs scatter. Shoot stones at those who stay on you (and at their owner, for a more permanent effect).
    Once again, I don't know where the author has been touring, but this advice also cannot be distinguished by me from humor. Yes, I've been attacked and chased a few times by dogs. One time it was a whole pack of very aggressive ones at night on Petchaburi. In all cases, I got my legs out of danger and just kept going - nothing more.
    
15. Know a good hospital and have a proper insurance, just in case.
    And if one doesn't have insurance (proper or otherwise)? He forgot to mention identification and a credit card or a lot of cash.
    

All good but you mixed up the first rule:

Don't ride in Bangkok.

[dave2]

re.

"The pilot phase of this project will start on [sunday]October 28," said Amorn Kitchawengkul, managing director of Krungthep Thanakom Company, the investment arm of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.

im a bit confused here so does it mean this pic of rental bikes i took near

pinklao bridge bangkok 6 april 11 didnt happen ? .. and i didnt see them ?

dave2

[GarryP]

I am sorry, but you do not really know what you are missing riding around BKK on a pushbike. It is an excellent stress reliever.

[ultramarine]

Hats off to MaxYakov for actually biking here. I'm an avid cyclist in the back home, but it would take quite a while before I take the plunge here. Max -- you're still alive! :-) I have nothing but admiration for the various people I see pedaling down Udomsuk and other places I frequent.

This city bike rental service is ambitious but hard to see how it can work. Didn't the city try a similar thing a couple of years ago in the old part of town with painted bike lanes and various locking stations? "Green Bangkok Bike"

[Morakot]

I hope the Bangkok bikes have a basket for baguettes like those in Paris.

We are pleased to announce that our design team has chosen the stylish and eco-friendly wicker basket option for the new rental bicycles.

Edited October 31, 2012 by Morakot

[Payboy]

I hope the Bangkok bikes have a basket for baguettes like those in Paris.

We are pleased to announce that our design team has chosen the stylish and eco-friendly wicker basket option for the new rental bicycles.

Hope that's OTOP approved.

[Morakot]

I hope the Bangkok bikes have a basket for baguettes like those in Paris.

We are pleased to announce that our design team has chosen the stylish and eco-friendly wicker basket option for the new rental bicycles.

Hope that's OTOP approved.

Yep. The main problem making it appealing for young urbanites was solved by including a hemp pocket for an i-Pad mini.

Edited October 31, 2012 by Morakot

[soomak]

lan envisions 50 stations with 330 bicycles in bid to cut traffic congestion

In a city with millions off people. I think its not going to do anything to cut traffic congestion.

I agree, that's the only important part of the article.

I am all for bicycles instead of cars, however 330 bicycles in a city of 10 million is not even a joke.

In Paris there are 23,000 bicycles for rent, and the number is growing, and even that doesn't change the traffic situation by much.

I assume it will be mostly used by tourists, taking rides from taxis, Tuk-Tuks and motorcycle takis.

[Richie23]

It sees to work pretty well in London, although quite often you see people on them that clearly haven't rode a bike in years and of course don't have any helmet etc to protect them when they fall off. It will be interesting to see how it goes down in Bangkok