Cycling lanes upgraded

Repair work on the 12 bicycle lanes covering eight kilometres around the Rattanakosin area is due to be finished by Dec. 5. The finished lanes should stand out enough to prevent bus, car and motorcycle drivers from parking on them.

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Bangkok governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra yesterday briefly joined in the repair work during his inspection tour of the 12 cycle lanes being upgraded by City Hall. Photos by Apichart Jinakul.

Rattanakosin cycling lanes given overhaul

Supoj Wancharoen

Twelve cycle lanes in the city are being upgraded to make them more practical.

Bangkok governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra yesterday inspected the repair work on the 12 cycle lanes which cover eight kilometres around the Rattanakosin area.

The upgrade to the clockwise route around the Rattanakosin area starts from Ratchadamnoen Avenue and runs through Tanao, Kalayanamit, Sanam Chai, Tai Wang, Maharat, Na Phra Lan, Na Phra That and Rajini roads, before reaching Phra Athit and Phra Sumen roads. The repair work is expected to be completed by Dec 5.

The lanes will be finished in time to commemorate the King's birthday and will also be an early New Year's gift for cyclists, MR Sukhumbhand said.

The repair work will include applying green paint and a bicycle logo to the lanes, improving the surface and ramps connecting the road to pavements, and changing the vertical drainage to horizontal to prevent wheels getting stuck in the drains.

After the governor left, this little boy carried out his own inspection tour.

However, the governor said the main problem with the bike lanes was a lack of understanding by road users who park on them. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is looking into finding a new parking location for buses that park near Wat Phra Kaeo, he said.

Deputy Bangkok governor Pol Gen Aswin Kwanmuang said City Hall has asked police stations in the districts to take action against drivers parking their vehicles on the cycle lanes.

The unveiling of the upgraded cycle lanes will be presided over by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha at the end of this month.

The BMA plans to upgrade another 30km of cycle lanes on Sathon, Bang Khun Tian Chai Talay, Lat Phrao roads, and the loop route around Taksin Maharaj Monument next year.

Currently only the cycle lane on Phra Athit Road is recognised by road users. Other cycle lanes such as those in Sathon and Lat Ya are often blocked by parked cars.

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