ZCONGKLOD BANGYIKHAN
The biggest question for Zcongklod Bangyikhan, editor of A Day and Human Ride magazines, is not whether there should or shouldn’t be proper bike lanes. It is, rather, about looking at the transportation system as a whole, in which not just bikers, but also those who walk, drive or use wheelchairs should be given equal consideration.
The recent Bike for Mom event has brought the prospect of Bangkok as a “bike city” once again back on the table, but Zcongklod thought it too soon to see its wider impact.
“First of all, it was a sign that people use bicycles more,” said Zcongklod, who’s a fervent cycling advocate. “Before, it was a type of vehicle which people didn’t understand but now it has become an activity on a national level, which brings it closer to our everyday life.”
Zcongklod said cycling in Bangkok is more about exercise and activity for pleasure than commuting.
“A Day did a survey last year and found out that only a very small percentage of cyclists ride for commuting,” said Zcongklod. “Which brings on the next question: shouldn’t a plan for big cycling parks to serve those who want to exercise be on the government’s agenda?”
Zcongklod said many people are missing the point if they think building bike lanes will be the end of the problem.
“What if in three years, when there are bike lanes everywhere and people start to like walking more, are we gonna have to start building pedestrian lanes too?” said Zcongklod. “We should rethink the transportation system as a whole, for those who walk, use bicycles or drive. We should begin by establishing an understanding that cars are not god, but just one alternative among other alternatives.”