Bicycles

[GWR]

In the right lane
Kalasin's bike pathways are a hit without the smash
Published on September 21, 2007

Having decent bicycle lanes has increased the number of student-cyclists in Kalasin's Muang district.

Kitti Pathawong, 15, a student at Kalasinpittayasan School who always rides a bike to his school said the lanes on the footpaths helped protect him from road accidents.

"Since we've had the bike lanes I have noticed that around 60 per cent of students in my school ride bikes when going to school. In the past hardly anybody rode them," Kitti said, adding that: "It's easy and safe to ride a bicycle with these lanes because they are on the footpaths and have a smooth surface."

The student also wants the authorities to create more bike lanes around the district and provide more lighting at night.

Tanawin Chulaselekul, a local resident who has ridden a bicycle for three years for exercise, said he had seen more people using bikes since the two lanes had been built by Muang Kalasin Municipality - especially students.

"I will let my three children ride bicycles to their school when they are ready. They are too young now," said Tanawin.

"The four-kilometre long lanes were built in March as part of the municipality's policy of saving energy and the authorities wish to see students riding safely. We will extend the bike lanes to 10 kilometres by next year," said Jaroensak Tongma, director of the municipality's Craftsmanship Office, who was in charge of building the lanes.

He said if the bike lane extension is completed, the office will make an area for parking bikes later.

Kalasin is not the only place to be extending its bicycle lanes and parking areas - Bangkok is also getting wise.

Bangkok deputy governor Panit Wikitset, said on Wednesday that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration would build 12 new bicycle lanes and create another 964 bicycle-parking areas. Currently there are 10 bicycle lanes in the city and 2,865 parking spots.

Thailand Cycling Club Vice President, Mongkol Vijarana said about 70 per cent of the bike lanes in Thailand could be used effectively but it would be better to improve them to suit each community.

"I think some regulations in Thailand don't support bicycle users, like the high payment for taking a bike on a train, so I will request the Transport Ministry to consider the issue. However, I agree with revoking the regulation that requires bicycle-users to have a licence," Mongkol said.

Meanwhile, the "Car Free Day 2007" campaign will be held tomorrow in 32 provinces and Kalasin will be a province taking part to encourage people to use bicycles.

Kalasin Bike Club President Naris Wongweash said that more than 500 residents will be riding around the district along with his club members and the campaign would include an "extreme bicycle show" and booths for bicycle shops.

Wannapa Phetdee

The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/09/21/headlines/headlines_30049727.php
Jakarta Bike Lanes:
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?p=16960#post16960
Thailand's Car-Free Day:
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?p=17272#post17272

[GWR]

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/09/21/headlines/headlines_30049727.php
Jakarta Bike Lanes:
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?p=16960#post16960
Thailand's Car-Free Day:
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?p=17272#post17272

People in Roi Et travel by bikes to save cost

Many people, including state officials, in the northeastern province of Roi Et are turning to ride bicycles instead of automotive vehicles due to the escalating oil prices. At the moment, a liter of diesel is valued at 34.34 baht, and a hundred baht could not buy three liters of diesel any longer. More motorists have also changed to NGV or LPG rather than conventional fuels, as they are much cheaper.

Meanwhile, farmers in Roi Et province are turning to organic agriculture in order to lower their expenses.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255105020022&news_headline=People

I'm also noticing here that bicycles are becoming much more popular. And it does seem to be for reasons of economy, convenience AND daily exercise. Mountain bikes have helped, by showing folks that it's possible to strike a pose on a bike too. :cool:

[GWR]

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255105020022&news_headline=People

I'm also noticing here that bicycles are becoming much more popular. And it does seem to be for reasons of economy, convenience AND daily exercise. Mountain bikes have helped, by showing folks that it's possible to strike a pose on a bike too. :cool:

Bikes sell like hotcakes in Srisaket and Trang as fuel prices rise

The increasing prices of both benzene and diesel have led to lively activity at bicycle shops in Srisaket (สะเกษ) province. Many citizens are picking out bicycles for their children to use as transport to school, as an alternative to cars and motorcycles. Owner of Srisaket (สะเกษ) Bicycle, Mr. Wiwat Sherngshawanotananun (วิวรรธน์ เชิงชวโนธนานันต์), admitted that at the moment, bicycles are selling extremely well. He averages sales of 10 to 20 bicycles per day. The increased sales have led to a rush on bicycle assembly, so that the number of bikes produced can meet the heavy demand. The bikes sell for 2,000 to 15,000 baht, depending on size and form.

Similarly, almost 10 bicycle shops in Trang (ตรัง) province have had to open up on Sundays, which was usually their day off, because there has been a steady flow of customers. Profits have risen 30% and the price of bicycles this year has gone up an average of 150 to 350 baht. There is a tendency for the price to shoot up even further next month.

At the same time, many citizens are repairing old bikes and repair shops are also finding it difficult to keep up with consumer demands.
http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255105250006&news_headline=Bikes

[christao17]

There is definitely an increase in bicyclists, both Thai and farang. In February, Bangkok had its first Critical Mass ride. This takes place on the last Friday of the month after work and brought together about 300 cyclists. The subsequent ones have been smaller as the location keeps changing. Hopefully the participants will settle on a single location and more people will get involved.

There is also a Facebook group called Jakkayarn: Thailand Bicycle Riders with some 300+ members, many of whom are involved in the Hash House Harriers.

Slowly but surely, a bicycle culture is growing here.

[GWR]

Bangkok to promote bike riding to save energy

BANGKOK, June 17 (TNA) – The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) -- the Thai capital's 'city hall' -- is planning dedicated bicycle lanes in congested business areas and plans to launch bicycle operating licenses to promote safe bike riding and to save energy.

Bangkok governor Apirak Kosayodhin said that 1.2-metre bike lanes are being included in new landscaping plans for business areas, especially connecting Sathorn and Rama IV.

The BMA says it plans to encourage Bangkokians to use bicycles and will work with the national government's Land Transport Department to issue bicycle licenses to encourage drivers to ride their bikes safely.

Mr. Apirak said he would launch a bicycle campaign at Lumpini Park on Wednesday.

He added that city hall will coordinate with the national government's Fine Arts Department to conduct a survey around Rattanakosin Island, the old city area for conservation of historic sites.

City hall will also work with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to acquire advice and expertise on the conservation of historic sites.

The BMA will also designate special routes for Buddhists to offer food to monks on their morning rounds, and intends to beautify business and tourist areas in the Silom and Sathorn central business district. (TNA)
http://enews.mcot.net/view.php?id=4796

[GWR]

A group of cyclists are campaigning for Bangkokians to ride bicycles and save energy

http://enews.mcot.net/upfile/1214875939.jpg
[Photo: MCOT English News]

A group of cyclists, led by Satja Kuthanon or Na-Ped left a road under Rama VIII bridge on Thonburi side of Bangkok. The bicycle parade shouted to attract crowds and urged motorists and pedestrians to ride bicycles and save energy.

The bicycle parade passed Phra Phut-tha-yod-fah Memorial bridge, Pak-klong-tha-lad bridge, Sanam Luang, and stopped at Rama VIII bridge on the Phra Nakhon side.

The group said people should reduce oil consumption as oil prices had continuously increased and some scientists said fossil fuel could run out in the next 50 years. Na-ped rides a bicycle 40 kilometers to and from work every day. He suggested everyone help save energy, travelling by bicycle over short distances.

Riding bicycles on Bangkok’s road is not easy, because of lots of traffic and many potholes. Some car drivers honk their horns although bikers ride on the left of the lane. Some bikers complain cars at times scrape or cut ahead of them.

Manthana Saowakul, a biker, said “Sometimes I have to dodge a drain lid on the left lane. A car scraped my bike and I fell.”

Another biker said “I want to ride a bike to work but I can’t. My workplace is far from my house.”

The bike group gathers every month to ride their bikes on a Bangkok road in their campaign to encourage Bangkokians to travel by bicycle. Those interested in joining the group can get more details at www. thaicycling.com.

Features : Last Update : 08:24:45 1 July 2008 (GMT+7:00)
http://enews.mcot.net/view.php?id=5004

[GWR]

Well there is at least one Bkk cop who has been seen recently in the media pedalling to work. But I dare say a few more patrol cops on bikes and a few more cops pedalling to work might set a fine example. Many police forces in the world now have cops patrolling on bicycles in some areas such as tourist zones:

Police urging office workers in BKK to use bikes

Police in Bangkok is campaigning for people in the capital to ride bicycles while commuting instead of using cars and motorcycles.

Pol. Lt. Col. Sonthaya Buapang, the Deputy Superintendent of Lumpini Police Station, reports that not many people are using the bicycle lanes on Sathorn Road, and most of them are construction workers. Initially, officials in Bangkok would like office workers to use the bicycle lanes. However, many of them find it inconvenient carrying bicycles while using the subway or skytrain services.

In addition, Pol. Lt. Col. Sonthaya says people are concerned over their safety, as some taxis have been found to contravene the bicycle lanes. He says the traffic signs for will be made clearer in order to ensure the safety of bicyclists.

Pol. Lt. Col. Sonthaya says he would like to promote the Bangkok's Bicycle project, as it can help alleviate the traffic situation and lower environmental pollution.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255107090010

[The Enforcer!]

One cannot help but notice Sathorn's lovely red Bike Lane. I am unsure if it has been officially launched but it is certainly .... well it is .... well it is pretty!

So far I have only seen it used by motorcycles (and for going in the reverse traffic direction I would add) - not a single bicycle yet but it is early days.

The Enforcer!