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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