Discovery on two wheels

Once the reserved territory of vehicles with four-wheels, Thailand’s roads are increasingly being taken over by pedal power, as cyclists the country over try in get in shape while saving the environment. Now the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is jumping on the bicycle bandwagon with the launch this weekend of its new campaign dubbed “Pedal Around Thailand: Cycling Together, Hearts Together”.
“It’s a kind of responsible and sustainable tourism,” says TAT Governor Suraphon Svetasreni, chatting with The Nation after Wednesday’s press conference at the Amari Watergate Hotel in Bangkok.
“Our policy is to encourage tourism and conservation. With tourist numbers increasing, we also have to think about maintaining the country’s attractions. Three years ago, we launched our ‘7 Greens’ project, which promoted 7 ways of assuring environmentally friendly tourism, But it’s been a tough road: people seem much more interested in development and business expansion than protecting the environment.”
Last year, the TAT won the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Gold Award for its “7 Greens” concept, which adopts a holistic approach to managing the environment and involves all parties – those responsible for the attraction, the operators, the community and the tourists themselves.
“Green Heart” encourages visitors to think of the environment while travelling; “Green Logistics” is about choosing clean transport modes; “Green Attraction” focuses on long-term sustainability; “Green Activity” stresses choosing environmentally friendly tourism activities; “Green Community” asks tourists to appreciate the value of local communities; “Green Service” follows best environmentally friendly business practices; and “Green Plus” invites volunteers to help create a greener world.
“The ‘Green Logistics’ module reflects the carbon footprint caused by travel in motor vehicles and planes, both of which emit high levels of carbon dioxide. Going on trips by bicycle offers an alternative and is in line not just with the cycling trend in Thailand but also the growing enjoyment of slow travel and connecting with communities,” says the governor, adding that several of his friends have taken up cycling since retiring.
“There are many cycling clubs around Thailand, especially in Nan and Chiang Mai, and lots of interesting routes around Bangkok. Cyclists use the social media to upload and post their pictures of several destinations, and I think they’d also be willing to offer suggestions to foreign cyclists or tourists on where to go.
“I’ve seen posts by foreigners saying ‘I’m a biker. I’m going to be in Northern Thailand. Any suggestions?’ We reply with information about the cycling group called Chiang Mai Fit for Cycling, for example. We are working on building cycling routes in conjunction with those cycling clubs,” he adds.
The first-ever “Pedal Around Thailand” initiative will explore two brand-new bike trails tomorrow and again on July 7, with two bands, Sqweez Animal and Mild, acting as cycling ambassadors.
The trip tomorrow runs from Nonthaburi to Ayutthaya. The starting point is Bang Tanai in Pak Kret district and cyclists will wind their way along a pleasant rural trail that ends in the ancient capital. The route offers a perfect illustration of the abundance of nature, art, culture, history and traditional lifestyles.
The trail on July 7 explores unseen routes through Bangkok, passing through traditional communities, with views of serene temples and the ever-changing Chao Phraya River.
“Bikers will start from Siriraj Hospital and join in a blessing for the King before going to Wat Intharaviharn, or Wat In, as it’s often known. They’ll then continue to Wat Arun. The trip, which is just five kilometres long, ends at Museum Siam.
“We’re hoping to encourage new cyclists to join us,” says Nonlany “Nan” Ungwiwatkul, founder of Cafe Velodome and a consultant to the TAT, who is responsible for the Bangkok route. “If they enjoy this short trip, then they’ll want to ride for longer next time. Five kilometres is ideal for building up confidence in beginners.
“I’m always on the lookout for new cycling routes that will take us through ‘unseen’ communities. I’d like to encourage communities to send their information and details to me. My eventual goal is to write a book about cycling routes in Bangkok and the communities they cross,” she adds.
Museum Siam is joining the event by hosting a variety of activities, among them an exhibition designed to raise awareness of the “7 Greens” concept and a showcase of the entries to a photo-journal contest on the theme of cycling in Ayutthaya. There’ll also be a bike market, food, snacks and beverages and a “Green Heart” concert by Sqweez Animal and Mild. Admission is free.
“This activity aims to stimulate interest in cycling and we intend to support rewards and trophies for future events. We are a facilitator not an organiser,” Suraphon says.

On your bikes
Participants in tomorrow’s ride should meet up in front of the Bang Tanai district office in Nonthaburi at 5.30am.

The July 7 ride starts at Wat Amarintraram at 2pm.