Thai police eye cyclists' safety

[WayneS]

Window tinting is one of the biggest problems here. Cars driving around with the front window so dark they can only see lights at night. Ban window tinting on the front window would be a great start. When I picked my my nissan pickup they had the front window with tint so dark at night it was near impossible to drive safe, got it taken off the next day.

[razer]

Bike lanes will have absolutely no meaning for Thai drivers, autos and motorbikes. Every cyclist I have seen is adorned with reflective apparatus. It's the drivers and their absolute disregard for anyone or anything except themselves.

[ianf]

I often note that bicyclists in Thailand -- with their high-end bikes and racing uniforms -- do not have mirrors on their bikes or one of those dental-type mirrors attached to their helmet or glasses.

Whether it would have made any difference in these recent fatalities, I don't know. But in my experience, it certainly helps to be able to see who is approaching from behind.

It would make no difference whatsoever. I've been a racing cyclist for 54 years so I have a little experience of training on roads, in groups and alone, in many countries. I find that in Thailand driver behaviour is by and large predictable - they will pull out in front of you or cross from the other side totally ignoring you. In the UK, for example, the problem is tiny country lanes with absurdly high speed limits which people drive at. I tend to find it safer here. However, in France the law - which people by and large follow - tells motorists to keep a safe distance from cyclists (is it 1 metre?) and in the areas in which I have cycled I have felt quite safe.

However the problem in Thailand is the lack of application of the laws in every aspect of life. No licence? No problem! Text whilst driving? That's ok! Or share a bottle of whisky with your mates at a restaurant and then drive home? They do it every day! Burn the verges? Well it's against the law as you are not allowed to burn within 500m of a road - and that is the local Government breaking it's own laws!!! So what chance is there for proper application of the laws in this country across all topics? Easy answer: NONE!!!

Having said all that I cycle 15,000km a year here and it is OK. I don't need mirrors or a balloon on my head announcing my presence. I keep myself safe. But there is no defense against idiots - drunken or otherwise - who hit you from behind as has happened to three cycling friends over the past year.

[ianf]

In the early hours around Phuket (6am) I have come across cyclists 3 a breast chatting and none wearing anything more than a helmet

no safety vest or high vis gear and maybe the odd one will have his flashing rear light on

Not what I would call safe cycling

So what is the point you are making?

[lujanit]

Riding a bicycle yeah in moo ban maybe or a small local road with speed bumps. gonna take a long time before thailand will have decent bicycle roads specially in the big cities. If they have space for that be sure you will have some kind of vendors blocking it.

I am a cyclist have given up riding on the public roads. Scares the bejesus out of me. We live in a largish moo baan (270+houses) with two main sois and two round-a-bouts. A round trip is about 2.5 kilometres. I ride at night and I have front and rear lights plus wear white clothing. Plenty of street lights especially at the round-a bouts.

Problem #1 is that both cars and motorcycles, especially taxi motos love to take a short cut at the round-a bout. Saves about 10 seconds. I have been knocked off my bike once by a big SUV and had to take evasive action on numerous occasions.

Problem #2 is drivers see I am smaller and couldn't give a stuff about giving way to me regardless of when I am in the right. This is especially true when vehicles drive down the 'wrong' side of the road because cars are parked on the road

Problem #3 is speed. Even though there are speed bumps most drivers, especially SUV's etc regard them as a minor inconvenience and don't slow down. I know of one woman who drives a standard sedan and she refuses to slow down. Bang, crash over the bumps. Plenty of residents complained about her speed. Then she had to get the rear shock absorbers replaced as the seals were blown (40k on the odometer). She blamed the speed bumps and wanted them removed.

The whole problem can be summed up easily. Thais when behind the wheel of a vehicle consider that they are invincible and everyone else should get out of their way. Face, face, face.

[northernboy]

Maybe police (pedal powered) patrols might make the police more aware and concerned about the road safety of riders as well as make drivers more concerned that their actions maybe seen and corrected with fines and instructions on safety matters. As well as make the police more visible to the community they are meant to serve, than at just check points (Fund Raiser) and early morning school traffic duty. Partially in Chiang Mai, where distances and traffic makes it possible.

We can all dream a wonderful dream...

[elgordo38]

Too little, too late!

Quote He said cyclists, on their part, should wear reflective gear and turn on bicycle lights while riding at night. And they should try to stay on the shoulder of roads. And all of this will save you from being killed by a drunk driver. Where is this guy coming from. Lets get serious on the penalty side life time loss of driving license a big fat fine and 10 to 15 years in jail with no forgiveness periods. Next make bike helmuts manditory so that the motorbike checkpoints can reel in a little more tea money.

[loxley99]

Another tragedy ..another official statement as to action to be considered ...we here it everyday ..yet no surprise that nothing happens.

I fear that in a country that has no law enforcement, other than that of self interest, life will just continue as it is ..that is for all but the 25,000 that will die on the roads this year ..leaving widows and orphans...and more sorrow.

Will anyone in authority stand up and have the courage to do something about such incompetent law enforcement ...moving a police official known to have been corrupt or incompetent does nothing ..an inconvenience at worst, but not a punishment .. to repeat the analogy of another ..it is the same as the church did with their pedophile priests, it simply gives them new hunting grounds.

The police must up their game and enforce the adequate laws they already have....but I wont hold my breath !

[ThaiUser]

I often note that bicyclists in Thailand -- with their high-end bikes and racing uniforms -- do not have mirrors on their bikes or one of those dental-type mirrors attached to their helmet or glasses.

Whether it would have made any difference in these recent fatalities, I don't know. But in my experience, it certainly helps to be able to see who is approaching from behind.

it certainly helps to be able to see who is approaching from behind

I will bear that in mind when approaching a room crowded with males .

[Assurancetourix]

posters displaying

DRINK BUT DONT DRIVE.i am sure if these are adhered to there may be a decrease in fatalities on the roads.

....and an increase in alcoholics.

How about "DON"T DRINK AND DRIVE"

In many ( maybe all, I don't known ) europeen countries it's forbidden to make public publicity for alcool, but not in Thailand ;

About ten years ago in Bangkok on Bayoke tower

[T_Dog]

These crack downs on anything are just passing fads. The real motivation is in their wallet. This report supports those recent threads referring to the CIA world facts. Until corruption is ended, there will be no progress with road safety, or anything else for that matter.

Corruption Thailand.pdf

[JLCrab]

I often note that bicyclists in Thailand -- with their high-end bikes and racing uniforms -- do not have mirrors on their bikes or one of those dental-type mirrors attached to their helmet or glasses.

Whether it would have made any difference in these recent fatalities, I don't know. But in my experience, it certainly helps to be able to see who is approaching from behind.

It would make no difference whatsoever. I've been a racing cyclist for 54 years so I have a little experience of training on roads, in groups and alone, in many countries. I find that in Thailand driver behaviour is by and large predictable - they will pull out in front of you or cross from the other side totally ignoring you. In the UK, for example, the problem is tiny country lanes with absurdly high speed limits which people drive at. I tend to find it safer here. However, in France the law - which people by and large follow - tells motorists to keep a safe distance from cyclists (is it 1 metre?) and in the areas in which I have cycled I have felt quite safe.

However the problem in Thailand is the lack of application of the laws in every aspect of life. No licence? No problem! Text whilst driving? That's ok! Or share a bottle of whisky with your mates at a restaurant and then drive home? They do it every day! Burn the verges? Well it's against the law as you are not allowed to burn within 500m of a road - and that is the local Government breaking it's own laws!!! So what chance is there for proper application of the laws in this country across all topics? Easy answer: NONE!!!

Having said all that I cycle 15,000km a year here and it is OK. I don't need mirrors or a balloon on my head announcing my presence. I keep myself safe. But there is no defense against idiots - drunken or otherwise - who hit you from behind as has happened to three cycling friends over the past year.

From the above: But there is no defense against idiots The biggest defense against idiots is not to be one yourself as well.

Edited May 6, 2015 by JLCrab

[ianf]

I often note that bicyclists in Thailand -- with their high-end bikes and racing uniforms -- do not have mirrors on their bikes or one of those dental-type mirrors attached to their helmet or glasses.

Whether it would have made any difference in these recent fatalities, I don't know. But in my experience, it certainly helps to be able to see who is approaching from behind.

It would make no difference whatsoever. I've been a racing cyclist for 54 years so I have a little experience of training on roads, in groups and alone, in many countries. I find that in Thailand driver behaviour is by and large predictable - they will pull out in front of you or cross from the other side totally ignoring you. In the UK, for example, the problem is tiny country lanes with absurdly high speed limits which people drive at. I tend to find it safer here. However, in France the law - which people by and large follow - tells motorists to keep a safe distance from cyclists (is it 1 metre?) and in the areas in which I have cycled I have felt quite safe.

However the problem in Thailand is the lack of application of the laws in every aspect of life. No licence? No problem! Text whilst driving? That's ok! Or share a bottle of whisky with your mates at a restaurant and then drive home? They do it every day! Burn the verges? Well it's against the law as you are not allowed to burn within 500m of a road - and that is the local Government breaking it's own laws!!! So what chance is there for proper application of the laws in this country across all topics? Easy answer: NONE!!!

Having said all that I cycle 15,000km a year here and it is OK. I don't need mirrors or a balloon on my head announcing my presence. I keep myself safe. But there is no defense against idiots - drunken or otherwise - who hit you from behind as has happened to three cycling friends over the past year.

From the above: But there is no defense against idiots The biggest defense against idiots is not to be one yourself as well.

Could you explain what you mean?

[JLCrab]

A bicycle mirror might weigh 2-4 ounces with minimal aerodynamic impact. Why would it be better not to have one than to have one?

[captspectre]

Yes, the bike lanes will be made wider to allow more room for the cars that frequently use them.

the ONLY way that the thai police will be able to conrol this given the thai way of driving is to escort all cyclist on the road! otherwise it will never happen. as long as the thai's have the me mentality.

[ianf]

A bicycle mirror might weigh 2-4 ounces with minimal aerodynamic impact. Why would it be better not to have one than to have one?

A bicycle mirror is not a defense against a drunken motorist coming at you from behind or a man in a stolen car who doesn't give a f... about anyone except himself. Ridiculous suggestion if I may say so.

[JLCrab]

A bicycle mirror might weigh 2-4 ounces with minimal aerodynamic impact. Why would it be better not to have one than to have one?

A bicycle mirror is not a defense against a drunken motorist coming at you from behind or a man in a stolen car who doesn't give a f... about anyone except himself. Ridiculous suggestion if I may say so.

You have said so. Plenty of bicycle type websites do not agree. If you see someone coming from behind, unless you are riding on the side of a cliff, at least you have a chance to get out of the way.