Should cyclists and their two-wheelers be allowed to use the BTS skytrain? The question has been raised time and again by BTS passengers.
Some believe bicycles should be banned from the system which now serves over 700,000 passengers a day. The reason is simple: bicycles, especially the non-folding type, take up too much space, and this is an inconvenience to other passengers. One passenger who encountered a group of cyclists on his journey called for a ban on their bicycles.
Others, however, think otherwise. In their opinion, the mass transit system is environmentally friendly and therefore should welcome cyclists, people with a green, zero-carbon lifestyle. They leave their cars at home and choose to pedal, thus helping to reduce city traffic.
If you ask me whether bicycles should be permitted on electric trains, my answer is yes and no.
To begin with, I believe the mass transit system should provide space for all types of bicycles. Last year, due to over-crowding, the BTS wanted to follow the underground MRT in limiting access to folding bicycles, which use less space on the train, to minimise inconvenience to other passengers. Fortunately, the plan did not materialise. And I hope it never will.
But this does not mean cyclists should take advantage of the system without limitation. On the contrary, it's necessary to curb them to a certain extent.
It is understandable that a large number of passengers oppose bicycles on the trains, especially during rush hour. And they have every right to complain.
Most may argue that even a bike-friendly country like the Netherlands does not permit two-wheelers on city trams (which operate just like the Bangkok electric train), although it does permit bicycles on inter-city trains. But that argument has only a partial truth. There is no need for Dutch cyclists to use city trams because cycling lanes in the country are the most practical and as safe as you can imagine.
Cycling in Bangkok is different. It is still largely unsafe. Despite being a top policy priority of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration under governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra (who introduced the Pun-Pun bike project and a few cycling lanes), cycling in Bangkok is a risk-taking experience because of the aggressive driving behaviour of most motorists. It is known cycling lanes -- which are still limited -- are impractical and violated by motorists.
Despite the risk, some people still opt for cycling as a mode of transport that, with the help of an efficient rail system, can save time on the road to get to their work.
That leads to a pressing need for a practical and sustainable solution so passengers and cyclists can co-exist. Such a solution should be reached through dialogue between the operator and cyclists.
I think it is acceptable for the BTS to limit space for bicycles during rush hour. But it should not be a blanket ban. Instead the curb should still make it possible for cyclists to ride to work. In the mornings, for example, the BTS could limit access during rush hour from 6.15am to 8am-8.15am.
The BTS can also limit carriages that cyclists can ride on. How about only the first and/or the last carriage? Passengers who don't want to share space with two-wheelers can opt for other carriages. A group of cycling advocates has suggested the operator provide standing-only carriages that can accommodate two-wheelers. The special trains can be open to other passengers as well.
No restrictions on the weekend would be highly appreciated. It's equally important the BTS makes it easier for cyclists to use facilities like lifts at the station. Security guards at some stations including Asok do not give cyclists access to those facilities. They insist that lifts are only for people in wheelchairs. They simply forget that people with large objects like bicycles and huge baggage should be categorised as people in need.
In fact, my call for the use of lifts is not just for the convenience of cyclists but also for public safety. Taking a bicycle (also heavy luggage for travellers) up the steep stairs or an escalator can be a risk for other passengers if there is an accident. The BTS may have started to notice this fact as I now see signs advising cyclists to handle their bikes with care.
The BTS deserves credit for cooperating with the state on certain cycling occasions -- the car-free day, Bike for Mom and Bike for Dad events -- by giving free rides to those turning up with bicycles. This shows the operator recognises their importance in Bangkok.
Such attitudes should not be forced to change.
Ploenpote Atthakor is editorial pages editor, Bangkok Post.