Life in the Green Lane

Love it or hate it, let’s remember the Green Lane is a free non-profit facility from the AoT, who built it at their own expense. They provide staff at the entrance, cut the grass weekly and maintain the area. Nobody expected cycling to become so fashionable in Thailand and the Green Lane has been a huge success in providing a traffic-free place to cycle and encourage more people to start cycling.

With rapid growth in any business there are always new challenges that develop. Every day of the week you will see racers on their road bikes speeding around at 40km/h and other riders cycling at 10km/h on city bikes with a little dog in their back pocket for company, or families with small children.

Everyone is entitled to ride in the Green Lane but it wasn’t designed for so many riders at different speeds, especially at the 90 degree bends.

The time has come for all riders to respect each other and for some simple and clear rules of riding to be designed. The AoT should also educate riders in the etiquette of the Green Lane. As a coach and cyclist with 37 years’ experience, I’m happy to make a few initial suggestions to help my Thai friends ride more safely.

SHARING THE TIME

Imposing speed limits isn’t the answer and just won’t work, but sharing the time could work by allowing faster riders on for one time period, and slower riders at another time, although this would need careful planning.

MEDICAL FACILITIES

Place three teams of medical staff at the three gates around the Green Lane, in case of emergencies. If riders see or hear the siren of an ambulance they should move off the Green Lane to the side and allow the ambulance to pass. The direct phone number for contacting medical staff should be posted around the Green Lane.

SAFETY TIPS

Always ride with your head up and your hands on the brakes so you are ready to slow. If you need to stop then move off the green road to the side. Always wear a helmet and wear safe shoes.

Nobody is to blame for the challenges of the Green Lane and nobody wants to lose this great facility, but none of us want to see accidents every week. So let’s all work together with authorities to make the Green Lane a fun place to ride. It won’t be a quick fix as it needs to be thought about professionally.

Enjoy your bike and stay safe.