Nan conservation ride
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MORE THAN 1,000 people yesterday joined the third Nation Bike Thailand event in the northern province of Nan to promote cycling for good health and environmental conservation.
The “Pan Rak Pa Nan” event – “pedalling to conserve Nan forests” – kicked off at Nan Museum. It was jointly led by Kasikornbank chairman and CEO Banthoon Lamsam, Nation Multimedia Group chairman Suthichai Yoon and Nan Governor Ukrit Puengsopha.
Noted news anchors from the Nation Group such as Kanok Ratwongsakul, Theera Thanpaiboon also led the cyclists to plant trees on side streets.
Ukrit said the bike event helped promote cycling and development of bike lanes in Nan. Furthermore, the activity also responded to the province’s policy to grow trees. “We have continued to develop the province to become river sources and uphold our legend as the city of mountain ranges and a living old city,” he said.
Banthoon said Nation Bike Thailand had materialised through cooperation between the public and private sector. “The event promotes bicycle pedalling but also environmental conservation and not only Nan but people across the country,” he said.
Suthichai said Nan was a lovely province to live in because it is rich in natural resources, and has a long history, plus many beautiful temples.
“Nan is unique because it has been able preserve its local culture and traditions. If every sector in the province can maintain this uniqueness and conservation sense among its people, Nan will become a model for other provinces,” he said.
Kritwat Wongwijariyanit, a 14-year-old boy who took part in the event, said he had been cycling more than a year and felt healthier. “Cycling helps me find new friends who are like-minded. People in Nan have shown more interest in cycling but the problem is that there are not enough bike lanes and existing roads have many holes,” he said.
Satarassami Kitti, 17, another participant hailed the event for boosting cycling that helps improve health and environmental conservation. She said cycling benefits both body and mind. “Students can relieve stress from study by cycling, which also helps them become healthier,” she said.
