Nation gets things rolling

The Nation got its executives, troops and quite a few of its readers – and TV viewers – on their bicycles at 6am last Sunday for a sleepy-eyed but fun pedal around Suvarnabhumi Airport. The idea was to encourage more people to join the two-wheeler trend to improve their own health and that of the planet.

More than 2,000 cyclists took part in “Khon Khao Nation Chuan Pan” around the airport’s recently opened Green Bike Lane. Booths selling various snacks and equipment lined both sides of the entrance road.

Chiang Mai, Phitsanulok, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Ayutthaya, Pattaya and Songkhla will all soon witness “Khon Khao Nation Chuan Pan” events like the one held on Bangkok’s outskirts.

“We’re doing this for the Nation TV and Nation Radio audience and anyone else who wants to join in,” said Adisak Limprungpatanakit, president of Nation Broadcasting Corp, which is celebrating its 14th anniversary with the launch of the 24-hour digital Channel 22.

“Here we’re all one big family riding on this bike path. NBC, Airports of Thailand and the Airport Cycling Club are also donating 50 bicycles to 10 schools near the airport.”

The morning began with the first of what Adisorn called “the three S’s”: safety. Physical therapist Manasawee Santananukarn, who also runs a bike clinic, led the group through warm-up exercises before they got rolling. 

“Service” involved giving the cyclists any help and advice they needed, and “Share” meant “sharing the value and sharing the road – we should always be creating good things for the community and being conscientious about sharing the available space on the road”, Adisorn said.

Airports of Thailand vice president Wing Commander Suthirawat Suwanawat, who’s in charge of instrument care but obviously also knows a lot about the terrain too, said more and more cyclists are using the bike path. “The Green Bike Lane is 23.5 kilometres long and 4.8 metres wide,” he said, outlining the task ahead for the latest visitors. 

“It’s surrounded by the soil ridge of an irrigation canal to protect it against flooding. The pathway surface is sealed slurry, painted green so it’s more easily discernible at twilight. We’re matching the Australian standard for bicycle lanes here, and it cost us more than Bt30 million.”

Suthirawat acknowledged that the bike path has the added advantage of helping secure the airport – and discouraging flocks of birds that might be hazardous to aircraft takeoffs and landings. “In the near future we’re going to have a clubhouse here as well.”

Gathering at the starting point for the official launch were Nation Group editor-in-chief Suthichai Yoon, Nation Multimedia Group editor-in-chief Thepchai Yong and TV host Kanok Ratwongsakul. Former Transport Minister Chatchart Sithipan joined them, as did AOT Cycling Club chairman Noppakao Dejudoma. 

Singer-TV host Ie Weeranukul, Pollapat “Mike” Welsh of Bike Finder Thailand and actor Jaturong “X” Kolimas, formerly of Hi-Jack, were there too.

The hardcore riders noted with grudging admiration that the Nation executives didn’t dismount and flee the scene after 10 metres but went the full distance. They were still on hand to distribute certificates to all the participants.