| Author | Chinnanat Keemun |
| Call Number | AIT RSPR no. TE-98-01 |
| Subject(s) | Bicycles--Thailand--Bangkok
|
| Note | A research study submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
Master of Engineering, School of Civil Engineering |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | This study concentrates on finding out the problems of existing bicycle facilities that cause cycling unpopular in Bangkok through questionnaire surveys. The study also, considered promoting a concept of short distance trip by using bicycles to be an alternative mode for people in Bangkok. Furthermore, this study tried to find the fundamental traffic characteristics in particular volume and speed of bicycle on the existing bikeways in Bangkok using photographic technique. The bicycle user characteristic data were collected through questionnaire surveys. The results revealed that the physical problems of bicycle systems in Bangkok are the poor conditions of bikeways surface, narrow bikeway, and poorly design bicycle-parking facilities. Furthermore, the results showed that bicyclists have high concerns to safety aspects that cause cycling unpopular in Bangkok. Results of speed study clearly indicated that average riding speed (19.97 kph) of Thai cyclists was unreasonable high as compared with other Asian cyclists such as Chinese and Indonesian and also was even faster than cyclists in the Netherlands. The main reason contributed to this fact finding is because of Thai cyclists ride their bicycles mainly for exercise and sport purposes. Beside, the sample sizes of bicycles obtained in this study were rather small. This is due to the unpopular of bicycle usage in Bangkok as clearly indicated by the volume study conducted in this research. It was known that there were only 16 bicycles/hour on weekday and 45 bicycles/hour on weekend. The unpopularity of using bicycles is further supported by questionnaire survey which revealed that the bicyclists had very high concerned to safety and pollution problems. Based on the questionnaire surveys, it was revealed that 52% of bicyclists interviewed had experienced accident while cycling. Also, 80% of the total cyclists interviewed stated that it is dangerous and unsafe to ride bicycle in Bangkok. Results of the questionnaire also indicated that 52% of total respondents stated that the main reason of riding bicycles was recreational. This fact also supported the previous findings that Thai cyclists ride their bicycles for exercise and spo1i purposes. Likewise, 88% and 81 % of cyclists interviewed, mentioned that bicycle routes and bicycle parking in Bangkok are inadequate, respectively. Therefore, to promote the use of bicycle in Bangkok, the concerned authorities must give attention to the findings mentioned on this research in order to minimize the problems presented. |
| Year | 1999 |
| Type | Research Study Project Report (RSPR) |
| School | School of Civil Engineering |
| Department | Department of Civil and Infrastucture Engineering (DCIE) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Transportation Engineering (TE) |
| Chairperson(s) | Yordphol Tanaboriboon; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Nakatsuji, Takashi;Pannapa Herabat; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | The Expressway Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand; |
| Degree | Research Studies Project Report (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1999 |