BIKE
Bike lanes best in suburban areas, enthusiasts say
BUDSARAKHAM SINLAPALAVAN
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- WHILE BANGKOK has been the epicentre of almost every grand project in the country, a pro-bicycling enthusiast is convinced bicycle lanes may have to be establish in suburban communities first before being built in the capital.

Thongchai Panswad, a former chairman at the Thailand Cycling Club, said Bangkok experienced so many traffic jams that it could be impossible to suddenly introduce and enforce the use of bicycle lanes there.

"But if we start in suburban zones where land is still ample enough to share with bicycles, a bicycling culture can start. Once it is well established, even Bangkok motorists won't say no to it," he said. After campaigning for bicycling for more than 20 years, Thongchai has come to realise that the sport and pastime must first win the support and appreciation of the majority before lanes are introduced.

"Bicycle lanes are successful in some suburban zones already," he said, adding that lanes provided cyclists with a safe option.

Thongchai said he wanted to see cycling elevated to public policy because it was good for the environment, social and was one of the few activities that all family members could participate in.

Naruebess Santideja once had a serious accident on a main road while cycling. He urged bike riders to take care on main roads because that was the best way to avoid an accident.

He said riding too close to vehicles was too dangerous.

Despite his accident, Naruebess always rides to work, covering the 36km from Ramkhamhaeng Road to Rangsit University.

He urged cyclists to wear helmets and have reflectors installed at the front and back of the bike.

He called on motorists to exercise care with regards to cyclists, especially at crossroads, because sometimes cyclists move faster than expected.

Pradit Phunsarikij, a new cycling enthusiast, said he was also a motorbike rider and drove a car, so he knew to be careful when cycling.

As such, he avoids riding on main roads by himself. "I think on main roads there are more big vehicles, so I think it is dangerous for me to ride a bicycle on those roads," he said.

"But if I have friends riding with me, I am brave to do it [negotiate main roads] because the riding group helps you to be careful."

He said some main roads had bicycle lanes but were not long and cars were always parked on them.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Bike-lanes-best-in-suburban-areas-enthusiasts-say-30237878.html


-- The Nation 2014-07-07

lower sukhumvit footpath was not the brightest idea???

"Once it is well established, even Bangkok motorists won't say no to it," he said.

It's not just the motorists you need to convince but the hordes of street stalls. You can section as much land as you like but it'd be commandeered in no time unfortunately.

My local, and very scenic, park has two lanes going around the perimeter with one for walkers and joggers and one for cyclists.

Both lanes are clearly signposted and that's as far as it goes as no one pays a blind bit of attention.

Bike lanes is the big Thai press lead story for the day?

The city is where you need bike lanes, the suburbs are already better for riding. Problem is they put the bike lanes on the footpaths, when the foot paths aren't even safe for walking. Or like the one on Pra-Athit Road. Its so narrow and only for one direction. They need to be put not on small roads where its easy to do (or in the suburbs where its even easier), but in the middle of the city where people can use bikes as transportation to get places. Not just for strolls down back alleys, those places are already (relatively) safe enough to bike. So many roads are just too narrow in Bangkok though, but others you could probably narrow the lanes a bit to free up some space for a bike lane. Not going to happen though. Bangkok roads don't even have space for people to pull over, let alone park like in normal places.

Cycling anywhere in Thailand is a death wish... So so dangerous ,

There is a rather nice wheelchair lane in Pattaya linking a vocational school for disabled people to central road and Big C extra. Local residents dont give a toss and park cars, motorbikes and food stalls along it. Apparently it cost 3million, the local authorities said they would not police it , instead they would hope for the best.

Cycling anywhere in Thailand is a death wish... So so dangerous ,

So was fighting the English with William Wallace, but you survived eh?

The best area to bicycle is downtown - where the most traffic congestion is! I bicycled from Wongwienyai to Asoke daily for 3 years and it was the most wonderful feeling overtaking cars stuck in traffic. I would always be at the traffic light when it turned green and be among the first to move. Fast moving vehicle? During Rush hour? Fast moving vehicles during rush hour do not exist. So wasn't really worried about them. You just have to ditch the car and hop on a bicycle. Just Do IT!

Bike lanes is the big Thai press lead story for the day?

No, it definitely isn't, as you can clearly see just by looking at the other news items. Of course, you can't see things like that, you just like to bash everything Thai at every possible opportunity even if it makes you appear to be a bit slow.

I think bicycling anywhere, whether or not in the suburbs or the city is excellent. Of course it is dangerous in a city like Bangkok, but for the brave souls willing to take that risk, it is a benefit to everyone. It means less congestion, it is good for the environment, it promotes health and fitness, and it gives the city a feel of a cosmopolitan place to be. In terms of the bike paths, I just do not know how realistic, or feasible it is, in a city like Bangkok. Everyone is jostling for space. The cost of land is insane. And I think it is safe to say the authorities do not have the awareness, nor the consciousness to even understand why this is important. So, biking in the traffic lanes is probably how you have to travel. Probably not something I would have the cajones to do, but I could see how satisfying it would be when the traffic jams were present, which is nearly all the time!

Most car drivers, as reckless as they drive will just run the cyclists over without further thought

Cycling anywhere in Thailand is a death wish... So so dangerous ,

Not at all. Main roads are to be avoided but i regularly do 30k rides with dogs being the only real issue.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

And who's gonna police violations of such said lane? Wait for it .... er no.

Maybe the introduction of bike lanes in Pattaya will save at least one life.

I am refering to the retard that was riding a unicycle along Sukumvit outside the Bangkok Pattaya Hospital in the direction of Pattaya Nua 3 Sunday mornings ago, at 10.30 AM.

But I very much doubt that anybody with that kind of problem would benefit from any bike lanes.

Way to go!

Cycling anywhere in Thailand is a death wish... So so dangerous ,

Stupid ignorant comment, cycling in most rural areas is perfectly safe. It's why cycling is Thailand's fastest growing sport. Road cycling groups can be seen everywhere, racing and touring is increasingly popular. Google Thailand Cycling Events Calender. Small rural roads have very little traffic, and bigger roads all have wide hard shoulders for two wheeled traffic. Bangkok is the only place I wouldn't cycle.

do you think the thais will bother with things like that and take noticed.bikes without motors are dangerous on the roads or the streets.in Bangkok they are just downright a no go area