On your bike — but let’s not hassle riverside residents
Cycling is a fantastic way to get around, but the mode of transport shouldn’t happen at the expense of others,
All urban cyclists are keen to see dedicated bike lanes put in place, but most understand that they should not cause problems for others.
This was the main concern expressed by cyclists while pondering the controversial Chao Phraya riverside promenade project. The so-called “New Landmark of Thailand” is a 14km section of riverside promenade, stretching from the Rama VII to Pin Klao bridges. The project is part of a proposed 57km promenade to run through Bangkok.
“We want a bike lane that won’t cause any trouble to locals, but can be shared by everyone,” Thongchai Panswad, president of the Thailand Cycling Club said.
He was speaking earlier this month about the riverside cycling lane, at an event held as a part of Bike Fest 2016 at Makkasan Airport Rail Link station.
During t he session, experienced bike riders and environmental activists expressed concerns over the government’s riverside promenade that includes a bike lane.
Mr Thongchai supports the government’s plan to create bike lanes which can be shared by both locals and non-residents. But he opposes the idea of setting up a lane in an area which requires expropriation — forcing local residents to move out.
Selecting the right location is a priority, he noted, adding that putting a bike lane in a place where people cannot access or use it is a waste of time and money.
Mr Thongchai said a 180km bike lane project linking Thammasat University Rangsit campus and Chai Nat province initiated by the government was a “failed project” as it was not in line with its original goal of promoting cycling as part of daily activities.
It will not change the way locals use motorcycles to travel from place to place, he said.
He urged the government to consider all things before making decisions when it comes to bike lanes.
Mr Thongchai said he understands that changing people’s lifestyles isn’t easy. Bike lane projects in many countries such as China are successful as people in the country use bicycles as their main mode of transport.
He strongly disagrees with plans for a bike lane to be part of the riverside promenade project, urging the government to be more considerate towards riverside residents who will be adversely affected by the project.
The riverside strip is largely seen as an eyesore that will block the view of the
Chao Phraya River. The locals near to where the project will take place are concerned that the area will be crowded with cyclists who will disturb their privacy.
Mr Thongchai also expressed his concerns about safety among users, especially children at the planned riverside promenade, demanding the government revise its plan.
According to the plan, there will be a straight bike lane which is more suited to speed training than for exercise and leisure, he said.
“I don’t think the bike lane will be friendly to families,” he said. “Inexperienced riders will be at risk of accidents when using the lane.”
Avid cyclist Nuttawut Sangtong who also runs a website called Pan Tang Plaek — literally translated as “taking a rare bike ride” — supports the government bike lane programme under the conditions that the project will be beneficial to the locals and not cause them any trouble.
“We do not want modern bike lanes that require a big budgetary sum. We just want simple ones in our communities that allow us to exercise and enjoy the magnificent view the place offers while taking a bike ride,” he said.
Mr Nuttawut urged the government to hold talks with the locals who will be affected by the programme to ensure that they really want to have a bike lane in their communities.
There are already riverside bike lanes in the city and some of them are under-utilised, he said citing a bike lane near Wat Prayurawongsawat as an example.
He also considered the BMA’s bike lane campaign around Rattanakosin Island as a total flop as it had failed to promote walking and cycling as part of daily life. Most importantly, the lane was taken up by cars and motorcycles rather than bicycles.
Meanwhile, River Assembly co-leader Yossapon Boonsom demanded the government allow cyclists who use bike lanes to get involved in its riverside promenade plan before the design is decided on.
According to the design plan, the promenade will have a total width of 10 metres, about six metres will be dedicated for pavement, three metres for a bike lane and the rest for trees.
“Give cyclists a say in the decision-making process,” Mr Yossapon said.
He urged the government and a contractor being hired to conduct a feasibility study to consider all factors that influence the design process and installation of a bike lane including the city’s geography.
A bike lane in the city should connect to public transit, making it convenient for cyclists, he added.
Mr Yossapon demanded the government suspend the project and hold talks with the public to determine ways to manage the project effectively.
Nonlany Ungwiwatkul, who usually commutes with her bicycle, called for more people to switch from using cars to taking a bike around the city to explore different communities.
Cycling through a city is a great way to experience some of its culture and history, she said. It also allows people to discover so many places, she added.
“Well, we can ride a bike from one area to another,” she said.
“When we find something interesting, we simply make stops and take a closer look. We can stop for a cup of coffee and then move on to a museum in a neighbourhood. It’s fun.”
The city offers several bike-friendly attractions and stops, more than just entertainment venues and shopping centres.
There is a variety of nice places in local communities, she said.