Chadchart joins cyclists

The mass bike ride was one of a number of activities organised to promote cycling.

Na Phra That and Na Phra Lan roads in the capital were closed to cars from 6am to midnight, while many other roads reduced the number of traffic lanes for normal traffic to allow for bicycles. 

Chadchart estimated that nearly 20,000 people took part in the campaign. “I also instructed top officials from the Transport Ministry to join the event to ensure that they are acutely aware of the ministry’s policy to work with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) in promoting the use of bicycles,” he said via his Facebook page. The BMA arranged activities for Bangkok Car Free Day with a number of other agencies. 

Transport Ministry records show that Bangkok roads have a total length of 5,400 to 5,500 kilometres. If the average car is about 4.5 metres long, the capital’s capacity for cars should only be about 1.2 million. But the number of cars registered is over seven million and growing daily. 

Chadchart said he had ordered the Expressway Authority to do studies on how to develop bicycle lanes under the Phya Thai – Chaeng Wattana expressway and the Art Narong – Ram Indra – ring road. 

“If all the relevant authorities join together, we should be able to offer bicycles as an alternative means of transport,” he said.