On Saturday, environmentally conscious people worldwide will join forces and shun private vehicles, the main culprit behind traffic congestion, during what is being billed as car-free day.
In Thailand, environmentalists in Bangkok -- and in other cities like Chiang Mai -- will take their bicycles and ride around their respective hometowns in a parade along designated routes.
Bangkok's cyclists are to join a parade, organised by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, which is to set off from a department store in the heart of the city.
But it is more than just an annual cycling parade to promote the solving of chronic traffic problems that over the last few decades have damaged the country's economy.
This special day is also a reminder for policy makers that they must do more to make public transport, as well as alternative modes of transport like cycling, a real choice for people. Motorists, in particular, should be encouraged to abandon their cars.
This will not happen if public transport remains outdated and of poor quality.
The regime deserves some credit for pushing electric rail systems that link Bangkok with neighbouring provinces. But this does not go far enough.
It will take some time before all these systems are operating. This means many commuters still think they have to depend on their vehicles.
Statistics about vehicles in this country are not very positive and suggest that Thai people's passion for cars remains strong. Reports by the Thai Civil Rights and Investigative Journalism (TCRIJ), which cited the Land Transport Department, said 8.5 million cars were registered with the Land Transport Department in the last 10 years or 9.7 new vehicles hitting the streets every hour.
But if public transport can be improved, that passion among motorists will wane.
Efficiency, especially at the planning stage is important so we get a complete network. Those involved should make sure that the "missing link" gaffe that occurred with the Purple Line is not repeated.
More importantly, having a complete network means more than just links between rail systems; it also means a combination of train, bus and boat systems.
More effort should be made to promote alternative transport, and should include cycling while walking must also be seriously promoted.
It's unfortunate that the regime has backtracked from a commitment to promote cycling due to thinking it is just a recreation, not a proper form of transport.
This means there will be a lack of safe and practical bike lanes, meaning cycling will remain a luxury of the privileged few.
Pricing is another important matter, especially buses which cater to low-income people. Rail systems with their current pricing structure are not friendly enough for the masses, leaving them with limited choice.
What is needed are bold policies involving several stakeholders to improve traffic. Policymakers must change their mindset.
The idea of reducing the number of buses in the heavily congested Ramkhamhaeng area, recently suggested by the Committee to Solve Traffic Problems, showed that state officials responsible for transport remain cut off from reality.
Policymakers must realise that mass transit is key to tackling traffic problems.
As such, they must do more to speed up improvements in public transportation, especially buses, which cater better to those on low incomes.
Instead of just being satisfied with a once-a-year car-free celebration, those concerned about solving traffic problems should see each day as an opportunity to achieving their goal.
People need to have the luxury of being able to choose a mode of public transport so they can leave their vehicles at home for the sake of a better environment.