Building a bicycle culture in Bangkok

[webfact]

EDITORIAL
Building a bicycle culture in Bangkok
The Nation

Saturday's Car-free Day showed us what's possible, but, with a safe, city-wide network of bike lanes, we could escape traffic gridlock permanently

BANGKOK: -- Though a record number of bicycles took to the streets last Saturday, there's a long way to go before Bangkok joins the ranks of cyclist-friendly cities. The turnout on Car-free Day was impressive, but it will make no difference as long as policymakers remain lukewarm to two-wheeled travel. With improved facilities and safety, bicycles could be a far more popular means of transport. And greater popularity would help reduce pollution, traffic gridlock and energy consumption. The benefits are obvious to most, but realising them will take a lot more than closing city-centre roads to motorised traffic for a few hours once a year.

More and more cyclists are demonstrating that commuting by pedal power in Bangkok is no longer a dream. Their numbers are increasing, but only in the face of unnecessary inconvenience and danger. The city still lacks sufficient safe bike lanes to accommodate its growing army of cyclists. Current measures, including a 242-lane project announced by City Hall in June, are just a drop in the ocean. To make cycling a genuine, viable alternative to other modes of transportation, we need a network of bike lanes that covers the city as much as the roads do.

Meeting the demand for bike lanes is a high priority, but equally important is the need to protect and expand the existing road space designated for cyclists. Bike lanes tend to get clogged by motorcycles, especially during rush hour. The white "bicycle" logo sprayed in these lanes does little to deter other road users from straying across the line and offers no protection to cyclists. Better policing of these byways would make them safer and likely lure more pedal power onto the streets. Cyclists are also calling for a bike-lane network that connects to mass-transit systems like the Skytrain and MRT, weaving "bike culture" into city life. To realise that ambition, City Hall must also turn sections of footpaths into parking spaces for bikes.

Bangkok could learn a great deal from Amsterdam. Sixty per cent of all trips in the Dutch city are made on two wheels, earning it a reputation as the most bicycle-friendly place in the world. Municipal rental bikes are available throughout the city, which is criss-crossed by a network of safe bike lanes. In Bangkok, Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra has scooted off on the right foot with Pan-Pan bike rental stations in the historic heart of the city. However, that scheme needs expanding to cover more of the capital if we want to emulate the Dutch.

Another model of pedal power is the Colombian capital, Bogota, where traffic jams have reportedly been reduced by 40 per cent after a city-wide web of bike lanes was introduced and many roads closed to motorised traffic on Sundays. Bogota authorities met the challenge by relocating street vendors to make room for cyclists, renovating the city's great avenues and banning kerbside parking for cars. Putting the cherry on the cake for the city's cyclists was the introduction of a mass-transit system that connects with the bike lanes.

Amsterdam and Bogota demonstrate the all-around effort that it takes to get more people out of their cars and onto bicycles. Every measure is inter-related and likely involves the combined efforts of city planners, police officers, pedestrians, street vendors and motorists. Building a bike culture is a tremendous challenge, but other cities have shown that it can be achieved. Our annual Car-free Day is an inspiring start, showing what's possible. But if we really want to ride our way out of traffic gridlock, everyone from policymakers to individual citizens need to show the will and determination to realise a Bangkok bike culture.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/Building-a-bicycle-culture-in-Bangkok-30243986.html


-- The Nation 2014-09-24

[Fiddlesticks]

Getting everyone to ride bicycles in the congested city is an admirable idea but the reality is that Thailand is in a monsoon climate area. I for one, enjoy riding my motorcycle but hesitate to take it out for a day of shopping or sightseeing when the forecast shows the possibility of rain during my time of travel. Certainly, if I was planning to go into a place of work, I would think twice about riding a bike and getting my butt soaking wet on the way to or from work. Granted, the monsoon season is only 5 months long but it does pose an obstacle to developing a bicycle riding culture in a city like BKK.

[rametindallas]

If more people biked, the streets would be less congested and the average speed of the cars would pick up and then people would be afraid to ride a bike.

There are some routes across the city at certain times of the day that it would be like bicycling through a parking lot i.e. reasonably safe. I love getting across town on my skinny motorcycle but would never consider a bicycle as transport. I would be too afraid.

[AYJAYDEE]

Getting everyone to ride bicycles in the congested city is an admirable idea but the reality is that Thailand is in a monsoon climate area. I for one, enjoy riding my motorcycle but hesitate to take it out for a day of shopping or sightseeing when the forecast shows the possibility of rain during my time of travel. Certainly, if I was planning to go into a place of work, I would think twice about riding a bike and getting my butt soaking wet on the way to or from work. Granted, the monsoon season is only 5 months long but it does pose an obstacle to developing a bicycle riding culture in a city like BKK.

good quality breathable ponchos go a long way to alleviate that problem

[airconsult]

You want to compare to Amsterdam......

Ok, let's try

Hottest month average max of Amsterdam - August, 21 degrees

Coldest Month average max of Amsterdam - January 5 degrees

Hottest Month average max of Bangkok - April 35 degrees

Coldest month average max of Bangkok - December 31 degrees

Now leaving out torrential rains in the monsoon season, flooding streets, etc - I think that shows why medically it is less wise to cycle in Bangkok (except for short distances) Certainly a few people can do and avoid heat prostration/sunstroke, but the average citizen would suffer much more from illnesses caused by dehydration.

So - you want to basically close one lane of all the streets in Bangkok (half lane either way) to cater to maybe 1-2% of the population with short distances to commute and make the congestion for 98% worse.....

If you're concerned about the cars - finish the mass transit projects AND provide parking at the outlying stations. (that last bit about parking always seems to get forgotten).

[attrayant]

Workplaces would have to make some changes to adapt to a bike culture. Build bike storage facilities where people can lock up their bikes while at work, provide showers and dressing rooms (unless you like your employees showing up for work smelling like water buffalo).

[Pib]

I'm sure Thai motorcyclists, car/truck drivers, and street vendors will give the Bangkok administration full support in building more bike lanes as it would provide more area to setup vendor stands, providing more street parking, and provide motorcyclists a safer and faster ride. Oh yea, will also give the BIB more road space to pullover motorists for ticket issue/donation collection. Go for it!

[Katipo]

Anyone who has ridden in the rain in Thailand will have, like me, been completely covered in a layer of gunge flicked up from the roads and passing cars. It is altogether unpleasant and totally unavoidable, even with mudguards and a raincoat.

Cycling in Thailand is for me, a fine weather activity. Unless of course I'm mountain biking and getting covered in mud is part of the fun.

[Lupatria]

If more people biked, the streets would be less congested and the average speed of the cars would pick up and then people would be afraid to ride a bike.

Efficient - Car, bus, or motorcycle.jpg

There are some routes across the city at certain times of the day that it would be like bicycling through a parking lot i.e. reasonably safe. I love getting across town on my skinny motorcycle but would never consider a bicycle as transport. I would be too afraid.

I don’t see how this is gonna work in a country where people drive a motorbike to get to the shop 50 m away and park it blocking the entrance. Where the same people drive motorbikes through the overcrowded walkways of a market and teenage kids need to be driven in daddy’s car because they are to lazy to walk the 2000m home from school.

[taony]

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Getting everyone to ride bicycles in the congested city is an admirable idea but the reality is that Thailand is in a monsoon climate area. I for one, enjoy riding my motorcycle but hesitate to take it out for a day of shopping or sightseeing when the forecast shows the possibility of rain during my time of travel. Certainly, if I was planning to go into a place of work, I would think twice about riding a bike and getting my butt soaking wet on the way to or from work. Granted, the monsoon season is only 5 months long but it does pose an obstacle to developing a bicycle riding culture in a city like BKK.

Getting everyone to ride bicycles in the congested city is an admirable idea but the reality is that Thailand is in a monsoon climate area. I for one, enjoy riding my motorcycle but hesitate to take it out for a day of shopping or sightseeing when the forecast shows the possibility of rain during my time of travel. Certainly, if I was planning to go into a place of work, I would think twice about riding a bike and getting my butt soaking wet on the way to or from work. Granted, the monsoon season is only 5 months long but it does pose an obstacle to developing a bicycle riding culture in a city like BKK.

good quality breathable ponchos go a long way to alleviate that problem

I just get wet. Hate riding in the rain, but at least everything slows down a little. When the cars are backed up its fine to ride between two lanes. Just have to go very slow as the brakes don't work well when wet.

Luckily I have a place I can shower at my office. I just wear some old clothes when I ride and everything is in my backpack with the rain cover when need be. My commutes are short, but I am lucky to have a couple spots where I can get a nice work out and arrive very sweaty even on cool days. Next month I am moving, so will have a bit longer commute but still very manageable. Just need to find a route I like. It takes a while to figure out the best combination of route/times etc.

[canarysun]

Thailand has the perfect climate for "bike rides" (bicycles) The countryside of Chiang Mai couldn't be more perfect! Its just a shame there are so many lazy people out there! F.J x

[notbkk]

Getting everyone to ride bicycles in the congested city is an admirable idea but the reality is that Thailand is in a monsoon climate area. I for one, enjoy riding my motorcycle but hesitate to take it out for a day of shopping or sightseeing when the forecast shows the possibility of rain during my time of travel. Certainly, if I was planning to go into a place of work, I would think twice about riding a bike and getting my butt soaking wet on the way to or from work. Granted, the monsoon season is only 5 months long but it does pose an obstacle to developing a bicycle riding culture in a city like BKK.

Yes and after and before the monsoon it's too hot too walk, let alone sweating on a bicycle! No way... most of us are not adapted and never will, to the tropical climate.

[MYKTHEMIN]

Not a hope, far TOO HOT, love my aircon.

[steveyinasia]

Not withstanding the weather challenges, would anyone seriously be considering sharing the road with the vehicular idiots that have their car in drive and their brain in neutral?

[toybits]

bicycled from home in Wongwienyai to office at Asoke for 3 years when I was in Bangkok. Would do it now if I were living in Bangkok. Loved it as it reduced my commute time by two thirds. Took a shower at the office do didn't mind the grime or grease I picked up along the way.

[chainarong]

Memo P.M. Prayuth , please ensure all Government Ministers, Government employee's , BMA employee's and regional government employee's now undergo Drug and alcohol tests before starting work each day, this will with hope, have a positive outlook on life, as I am sure some employee's are as high as a kite when releasing brainstorming , mind boggling , unworkable idea's to the press.

[SuwadeeS]

They will never made it. It is impossible. Thais are to lazy. Too much traffic. Too hot. Never.

[SteveFong]

what bangkok needs is a ton of trolleys. and no cars is many areas.

you park your car outside the main areas, and trolley everywhere else,

and

NO TAXIS

[Zumteufel]

I applaud the thought. I've lived in Copenhagen, Denmark almost all my adult life, and a bicycle is the most common mode of transportation there. Convenient, fast. But Copenhagen (and Amsterdam) is a fraction of the size of BKK, and the weather in BKK is just not bicycle weather, at least not in the daytime, or at least not for a northerner.

That be said, it's ideal for short distances. No need to start the motorbike or dealing with the hassle of finding a parking spot for the car.

[SPB65]

This is funny. What's the average temperature when it's not raining ?

[Pib]

I applaud the thought. I've lived in Copenhagen, Denmark almost all my adult life, and a bicycle is the most common mode of transportation there. Convenient, fast. But Copenhagen (and Amsterdam) is a fraction of the size of BKK, and the weather in BKK is just not bicycle weather, at least not in the daytime, or at least not for a northerner.

That be said, it's ideal for short distances. No need to start the motorbike or dealing with the hassle of finding a parking spot for the car.

So true about the ize different between Copenhagen and Bangkok...Copenhagen 88 sq/km...Bangkok 1569 sq/km (only the pure city limit)...but the Metro Bangkok area is 7,761 sq/km. Yeap, Bangkok is must a tad larger. And the hot sun, high humidity, plenty of short notice rain, doesn't make Bangkok the perfect environment for daily bicycle commutes in your office work closes. Plus, girls might turn brown being exposed to the sun...lose the Korean white skin look...many Thai girls will simply not consider such a thing...now maybe if a big umbrella can be mounted on a powered-bike they may consider it.

[mike324]

I would not want my worker to cycle to work, its really not that healthy and risks are too high:

1.) They will be inhaling all that smoke from buses and trucks

2.) Increase the risk of getting into accidents

3.) Being all sweaty is not a good way to start work (no showers at work place)

[WhizBang]

A bike culture in Bangkok? Seriously?

How about, who wants to arrive at their destination dripping wet from sweat? No me, that's for sure. I will take AIR CONDITIONED mass transit (especially trains) anytime.

[toybits]

By the number of posts on this thread, I am certain a bicycle culture will take root in Bangkok - NOT!

[toybits]

They should also install showers at the office. Just imagine each office having to spend much less on parking bays! Why they could even convert those parking bays into more office space. Just imagine the gains land owners would earn! For condo building, the first 8 floors would not have to be parking bays. Those could be condo units. All this could be realized if more people bicycled.

what bangkok needs is a ton of trolleys. and no cars is many areas.

you park your car outside the main areas, and trolley everywhere else,

and

NO TAXIS

[toybits]

Opps! Double post..

[chongtak]

People will simply park on bicycle lanes or motorcycles will use them with no shame.

[cardinalblue]

Everyone is blaming external factors why a bike culture won't take hold in bkk or in Thailand. Thai people are not that outdoor oriented and seem to choose whatever the most convenient/easiest way to transport.

It's all about attitude and how they view it and those need to be overcome first...

What's the #1 bike friendly city in USA? Rainy Portland in the Northwest and it's not even close (Minneapolis MN of all places is #2). Further evidence that's all about having a positive attitude towards specific things. Behavior follows once attitudes change....

CB

[Strangebrew]

I use my number 13's to get around work just fine, no worry about parking or them getting stolen.

[canarysun]

It's all down to being " bloody lazy " yesterday I walked for 20 Km (normal) most people on Thai Visa would struggle to walk 500 meters (using the heat as an excuse) actually it is not hot riding a bicycle here in Thailand in fact the warm breeze cools you down.So stop being " lazy farang " and go on a bike ride,you never know you might actually enjoy it! F.J x