Thread: Prayut Declares Bicycling Urgent National Focus

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha leads the way in a bicycle ride after opening the 'Sor Sor Sor Presents a Day Bike Fest 2014'
at the Airport Rail Link's Makkasan station on Nov 6. (Photo by Patipat Janthong)

Bangkok Post
November 14, 2014
Writer: Amornrat Mahitthirook

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha wants to expand bicycle lanes throughout Thailand, setting forth improved bike routes as an urgent national policy if the cabinet approves the plan next month.

Gen Prayut says nationwide cycling trails will relieve traffic congestion and motivate people to exercise more, Soithip Traisuth, permanent secretary to the Transport Ministry, said Thursday.

The plans set forth a pilot project in Phitsanulok province, which would spend 20 million baht to improve an existing 23km-long cycling path along the Nan River.

An initial sum of 5 million baht will be required to adapt a 4.5km-long portion of the road to clearly signal the presence of a bicycle lane. Following this first stage, the rest of the lane will be improved as well. There are plans to build parking and rest areas as well as other facilities.

"The policy aims to encourage Thais to use bicycles more often in their daily lives and while vacationing," Ms Soithip said.

Gen Prayut has appointed the Transport Ministry to handle projects jointly with the Interior Ministry, the Tourism and Sports Ministry and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. "Each ministry has its own plan and its own budget dedicated to the proposal," she said.

The Transport Ministry is in charge of collecting data concerning existing bike lanes via its Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning, while the Tourism and Sports Ministry will oversee cycle lanes that lead to tourist sites and sports stadiums. The Interior Ministry will coordinate between the government and local administration organizations.

Because each province expects to have its own cycling lanes, information concerning the plans for these routes must be transferred back to ensure accuracy and good regulation of the policy, Ms Soithip said.

Special bicycle routes will be arranged by the Expressway Authority of Thailand and the Department of Rural Roads, while existing bike lanes on public roads will be improved to meet upgraded standards.

There are currently 31 paths reserved for cyclists in Bangkok located around the historical Rattanakosin island. Some paths are widely used while others need to be improved, and common roads largely used by cyclists must be adapted as well, Ms Soithip said. She also mentioned the possibility of establishing bicycle lanes under elevated tollway areas in Bangkok.

The government would also add signals for the bike lanes. Wherever there is enough room, a separate lane will be built for cyclists. But in areas of limited space, they might need to share the road with motorized vehicles. Ms Soithip said clear demarcations will be painted.

PM declares cycling urgent national focus | Bangkok Post: news

Thought they were trying to cut the death tolls on roads,not increase them.

I'd really like to get myself a bike if I could find somewhere safe to ride it near Silom.

Lumpini is ideal but bike time is only between 11 AM till 3.PM which is the worst time heat wise.

Originally Posted by terry57

I'd really like to get myself a bike if I could find somewhere safe to ride it near Silom. Lumpini is ideal but bike time is only between 11 AM till 3.PM which is the worst time heat wise.

I guess that means you are only allowed to cycle in the park between those hours Terry? Bit of a bummer.

I cycle every morning. get out at 5am in Khon Kaen so to miss the motorists.

Bet he doesn't know how to ride a bike. That will not stop him buying 1000 bicycles though with public money and selling them on the side though.

Originally Posted by spliff

I cycle every morning. get out at 5am in Khon Kaen so to miss the motorists.

More pertinently to hope the motorists miss you!

One wonders if any of these cloistered beings ever actually walk around any Thai city or town.

How on earth could anyone with an ounce of intelligence possibly advocate cycling in a country which has yet to establish a single, functioning, light - controlled pedestrian crossing anywhere within its urban landscape.

Pitiful, quite pitiful.

Interesting aside. Owner of Bangkok Cycle Industrial company, Thailand's largest Bicycle manufacturer, who is part of the Uber elite of Thailand with his fingers in many pies seems to be rather cosy with a certain leader.

Just sayin'

Hmm can't possibly be true.

The good Gen is a man of high morals.

Looks like this one? Different colour. LA bikes are Bangkok Cycle Industrial I think