Get on your bikes and RIDE
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Encouraging the use of bicycles can only be beneficial for the capital city and the counry generally, so why are the authorities so slow in providing a functional network of designated bicycle lanes
The idea of building bicycle lanes along roads in Bangkok has been around for decades, but such a network in the capital has never really come to fruition. Unlike many other big cities around the world, Bangkok has no proper network of bicycle lanes that allows people to commute under their own steam without having to rely on other modes of transport.
Bicycle lanes do exist in the city, but most of them are designated on certain sections of pavement, and they are unconnected to each other. Newer roads are more likely to have this kind of route for cyclists, as they are broader than older thoroughfares. One of the best such routes in Bangkok is along the wide Pradit Manutham Road, which has the Ekamai-Ram Inthra expressway in the middle. The bicycle lanes along this road are well built and separate from the road and pavement areas.
Many groups have campaigned for more bicycle routes in Bangkok, and recent moves by the authorities to accommodate them are a promising sign. On the recent Car Free Day, Transport Minister Chatchart Sithipan promised to improve the condition of existing bicycle lanes in Bangkok and build more along the wide Ram Inthra and Kaset-Nawamin (also known as Prasert Manukit) roads, as well as under certain expressways. He claimed to be aware of the problems facing cyclists using designated lanes, such as potholes and drain grilles that make it difficult or even perilous to ride.
The transport minister said he has instructed relevant agencies under the Ministry of Transport – namely the Expressway and Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand and the Department of Highways – to study the feasibility of building more bicycle routes in Bangkok.
“Given the increased public inter
est, the agencies should be able to push bicycle lanes as an alternative for us. More importantly, we should talk with the people who actually use bicycles regularly, so that we can get straight to the point,” he said.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration also plans to build another 30 bicycle lanes within four years, in addition to the existing 31 routes, for a combined distance of 232 kilometres, according to BMA spokeswoman Tridao Apaiwong. She said the bicycle lanes would be designed for the purposes of commuting, exercise and recreation. The current lanes would be improved so they remain in useable condition and are safe for cyclists.
Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra voiced his support for the use of bicycles in commuting. He said bicycles are an ideal travel solution for Bangkok residents because the city is mostly flat and there are few gradients.
Cycling is the most environmentally friendly mode of transport; it eliminates the use of fuel and carbon emissions while allowing people to exercise and save money.
However, there are still many problems facing cyclists, even in the designated lanes, including parked vehicles and vendors’ carts. The problem in Bangkok does not just involve the shortage of bicycle lanes, but also the willingness of the authorities to enforce the exclusivity of such lanes. There needs to be a law that officially acknowledges and regulates these lanes.
Legislators should encourage this development and make things more convenient for cyclists. With more and more people using bicycle lanes, the use of motor vehicles – particularly for shorter distances – can be decreased, and that can only be to the benefit of the capital city, the country and the people in the long run.
