Bicycles have never been sexy in the eyes of candidates for Bangkok governor - but that all changed with this election. In their race for votes, candidates are all-too-often seen mingling with citizens on public buses, visiting markets, or helping the underprivileged. This time around, they are testing their mettle with the pedals, as the two-wheeled mode of transport has become the latest fashion in photo opportunities. Some candidates embraced the bike to the point they promised to pedal to the office, if elected.
Cyclists are not easily tricked by such obvious tactics or candidates' pledges to make the bicycle a more popular mode of transport, especially after some of them even had to be told how to wear a helmet correctly.
However, there is a sense that the future of the two-wheelers is promising.
"Bicycles can't be ignored any more," said Green World Foundation secretary-general Saranarat Kanjanavanit.
The foundation has been campaigning for a bicycle-friendly Bangkok, and Saranarat says the once-marginalised cycling population has become a "phenomenon" in the city.
Bicycles are part of the policy of every candidate invited to the recent "Vote Bike 2013: Less Car, More Space" debate held by Thammasat University at Santichaiprakarn Park. The debate aimed to encourage gubernatorial hopefuls to improve the city's transport network using more public transport and improving safety for bicycle riders.
Pheu Thai Party's Pol Gen Pongsapat Pongcharoen, former governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra from the Democrat Party, and independent candidates Pol Gen Sereepisuth Temeeyaves and Suharit Siamwalla were shortlisted by Facebook users through the Bangkok Bicycle Campaign page. They showed up at the event with a few ideas to improve the city for cyclists.
Cyclists demanded safer cycling infrastructure and greater services in public transport facilities. The wish list features a network of cycling routes between skytrain, subway and Chao Phraya boat stations, and a 40km cycling loop that would connect the inner city and greater Bangkok.
For the service, bicycles would be allowed on all buses and trains. Currently, bicycles are only allowed on the skytrain _ folding bikes are permitted on boats, the subway and some buses.
Pongsapat said: "If I were elected governor, I'd ride a motorcycle... Oops, bicycle to work. Once the governor cycles to work, the routes will be smoother."
He hoped an image of him cycling would help erase the conventional perception other people have that bicycles don't belong on Bangkok streets.
Pongsapat and MR Sukhumbhand were ready to improve pavements to facilitate cyclists, and relieve congested traffic with more electric trains and monorails. Sereepisuth proposed an unbeatable idea; he would move all the vending carts to an air-conditioned sky-walkway, paving the footpath on the street level in the city for cyclists only.
Only the former governor and independent Suharit have had first-hand experience with bicycles in Bangkok.
Whether or not it was part of his well-planned campaign before his term ended, it's undeniable that MR Sukhumbhand introduced 222km worth of bike lanes throughout the city, although most of them are not practical. The Bangkok bike for rent scheme in the heart of the city was also a part of his effort, although still incomplete. A consultant on his team, Jate Sopitpongstorn, is heavily into bicycles, being involved with the car-free Sunday events held in past years.
However, Suharit is the only one to have actually cycled any serious distance on Bangkok streets lately. He recently took a 36km spin with the Bangkok Bicycle Campaign group, during which he got an on-the-ground experience of being sandwiched by cars in the traffic. That helped him understand why proper bike lanes are needed.
While other candidates have promised projects to improve infrastructure _ the expansion of skytrain lines, new riverside walkways, or new monorail and tram routes _ Suharit came up with the concept of making the city bicycle-friendly by opening the minds of motorists to sharing the road with cyclists.
''Bicycles are an alternative mode of transport, we have to make other motorists perceive that. And the rest [infrastructure like bike lanes] will follow,'' said Suharit, who also promised to cycle to work as often as possible if he were elected governor. His plan included improving and re-organising the pavement for pedestrians and bicycles. To make the capital a liveable city, Suharit envisioned a city with fewer private cars but more practical public transport.
''We can't simply introduce an inner-city toll road in Silom area without providing the drivers with a practical solution,'' said Suharit.
That means Bangkok needs a larger and more practical public transport network stretching out to greater Bangkok and a lighter public transport option like a monorail or tramway in the inner city. These networks have been promised by all candidates.
But Saranarat was disappointed no candidate came up with a concrete idea to reduce the number of cars entering the inner city, especially Pongsapat whose party initiated the first-car tax rebate last year. ''The only way to make it possible is to reduce the private cars, to pave the way for public transport.''
What worried her more is that Bangkok traffic would likely worsen before the time-consuming projects like train, monorail or tramway networks would be complete. Saranarat suggested buses were the most efficient and practical solution for the city. With infrastructure like the roads ready, a better bus network was needed to reach communities and to peripheral areas of Bangkok.
''New buses and bus stops will be certainly cheaper and faster than an electric train project,'' said Saranarat. But Thai Cycling for Health Association vice-president Mongkol Vijarana was positive about the mega projects.
He hoped to see more electric train routes completed during the next administration. BTS lines are being expanded to suburban areas; more have already been planned, and more are promised. That means public transport is stretching out to housing estates across the city, making each station within a few kilometres of people's doorsteps. The distance is perfect for most cyclists to ride from home and park their bikes at the station before hopping on the train to work in the city.
But the toughest problem is how to encourage drivers to leave their cars at home or at the city's outskirts.
''If motorists find driving a private car is more convenient, the number of cars on the roads will never decrease,'' pointed out Suharit.
Cycling enthusiast Nonlany Ungwiwatkul has commuted by bicycle for the past three years and said apart from a safer cycling network, her greatest wish was for a safe parking spot.
She wants to be sure she can hop on public transport in the morning, and know that her bicycle will still be there for the ride back home.
PROMISES, PROMISES
The candidates have announced these policies.
Pol Gen Pongsapat Pongcharoen:
Improving pavement surfaces.
Improving 26 spots near public transport including BTS, MRT and bus stations.
Building 100 more parking spots for bicycles.
Building bathroom and changing room facilities at the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration office initiated by the former governor.
Supporting the walkway project along the Chao Phraya River for recreational activities.
Extending the BTS route a further 11km on Ratchaphruek and Bearing lines.
Building two monorail or light rail routes: a 7km route linking Bang Sue to the Energy Complex, a 15.5km route linking Watcharapol and Rama 9 Road.
Replacing the current 12.5km expressway project linking Ngam Wong Wan Road, Kasetsart University and Prasert Manukit with light rail.
Building a 7km tramway, with 12 stations in the Rattanakosin area, linking three future BTS lines.
Pol Gen Sereepisuth Temeeyaves:
Moving all street vending carts up to an air-conditioned sky-walkway, freeing the pavement for cyclists.
All commuters violating the designated bike lanes will be punished.
More bike lanes in the greater Bangkok area.
Convincing the Chao Phraya boat operator to allow bicycles on the boats.
Limiting the number of cars entering the inner part of the city.
Providing park and ride stations at the city's edges.
MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra:
Improving pavement surfaces.
Building 30 more bike routes, adding to the 222km distance initiated in his previous administration.
Completing the city bicycle rent project by providing 10,000 bicycles in the inner city.
Continuing with the 40km loop connecting inner and outer Bangkok he had started researching before the end of his administration. The route would link Soi Charan Sanitwong and Klong Toey with Sukhumvit, Phetchaburi, Ratchadaphisek, Vibhavadi Rangsit, Wong Sawang and Rama 7 roads.
Building five monorail or light rail routes, linking other modes of public transport.
Providing four park and ride spots at the city edges.
Introducing a BMA Live Traffic Application.
Suharit Siamwalla:
Re-organising the vending spots on the pavement, removing the blockages, and improving the pavement to make it accessible for wheelchairs and bicycles.
Changing motorists' conventional perception of cyclists, encouraging them to share the road, but not giving privilege to bicycles.
Encouraging bicycles as an alternative mode of transport in university campuses and the city.
Building a cycling network, starting from the home doorstep to public transport facilities.
Organising car-free Sundays.
Improving public transport networks.
