Although many people may feel that a bike in Bangkok is not an acceptable proposition, it can be done with relative safety and offers great convenience for many excursions that will take a lot of time and exhaust if you do it on foot.
Bangkok made a weak attempt to support bicycles, sporadically marking the paths of sidewalks for bicycles, allowing bicycles on the subway (subway), BTS (SkyTrain) and riverboats. However, MRT and river boats require that the bike be of the folding type and be folded so that it can be left on board. In addition, there is a long raised alley connecting the northern end of Lumpini Park to Sukumvit Soi 10, which provides a convenient, safe and fast transit between Lumpini Park and the lower Sukumvit district.
Right of way
The general right-hand rule in Thailand is that the largest / heaviest car has the right to travel; pedestrians have the lowest. In short, "if he is bigger than you, he will kill you if you don’t get out of the way." My rule is to give the right to the road to all vehicles and pedestrians. This prevails in unwanted conflicts with both vehicles and pedestrians. This refers specifically to sidewalks, since many sidewalks are marked by a cycle path.
Although many sidewalks are marked by a 1 meter wide bicycle lane, the use of lanes on bicycles is so light that it is often blocked by mobile suppliers and pedestrians.
Often in the tourist areas, in particular, on the sidewalks there are sellers and pedestrians, so it is difficult to continue to drive safely, so the bike must pass, or the sidewalk is abandoned on the street.
Bicycle bell
It is often important for a pedestrian to know that you are approaching from behind, using the bell as far as possible, so that they have time to recognize it and act accordingly ... if they hear it.
Sidewalks or street?
Due to the crowded or poor conditions of many sidewalks, it is often necessary to alternate between the sidewalk and the street. This is especially true when you are trying to make the best time to compromise with security. Some traffic conditions are potentially dangerous due to high-speed traffic and the fact that dedicated bike lanes are rare in Bangkok. Buses are the biggest offenders with their seeming oblivion and frequent stops. Both in terms of security and in terms of fast transit, the slowed down traffic is best for a bike on the street.
Intersections
This is probably the most dangerous part of the bike. The advantage of the cyclist is that he or she may decide to cross the intersection as a pedestrian or vehicle, depending on the situation.
Where to buy bikes in Bangkok
Tesco-Lotos
Big C
Carrefour
Amorn, Fortune Town
Pro Bike, 237 Soi 2, Sarasin Road, between Rajadamri Road and Langsuan Road, west of Lumpini Park
AiMbike, 62/10 Soi Chaengwattana-Pakkred17, Chaeng Wattana Road, opposite the Central Chagen Wattana Department Store
Craig's List of Thailand
Available types
All types are available, including very expensive ones, for example, the high-performance model 300,000 THB on the Pro Bike.
Coarse pricing
2,500 THB - 10,000 THB (low range)
7,000 THB - 24,000 THB (folding / mountain)
25,000 THB - 300,000 THB (high level)
Cycling in the park Lumpini
Lumpini Park is large with lots of wide tracks and roads with little traffic; There are many canals, lots of greenery, several snack bars and several zones with tables and benches. The park allows you to ride a bike from 10:00 to 15:00 seven days a week. There are security guards to enforce these clocks. The nearest train station is Lumpini Park - Silom Station on the MRT and BTS lines, in the southwest corner of the park.
Increased walking and cycling path
This metal structure is 3 to 5 meters or more above ground level. It is about one kilometer from Sukhumvit Soi 10 base and ending in the northeast corner of Lumpini Park. It is quite wide, maybe 10 meters, and is divided into a pedestrian part and a bicycle part. The time I was on it was almost completely empty, and no more than 5 people were walking and one cyclist; It seems most people are unaware of its existence.
Stairs to the overpass have a ramp that allows you to push or hide the bikes, but they are a bit steep; You will need strong legs and / or a bike with a few gears to ride.
If you use this overpass to get to Lumpini, you will find yourself at the intersection of the Sarasin road and the wireless road. The gate to Lumpini is located on the left (in the south), about 60 or 70 meters by wireless road, past the school.
Conclusion
For the fearless, cycling in Bangkok offers an attractive alternative to walking or incurring costs and the lack of spontaneity or control over the use of taxis, motorcycles and tuk-tuks. The bike is very good for short shopping trips or exploring local areas. Treat it as a kind of “high-speed” walking with the ability to actually walk, if necessary.
Taking into account folding bikes on MRT (metro), BTS (SkyTrain elevated railway), riverboats and buses, the same benefits can be provided for long journeys or trips to any point in Thailand.
