BMA, US embassy jointly launch event to promote cycling in Bangkok

BANGKOK, October 27 (TNA) - In an attempt to help ease traffic problem and reduce pollution in the Thai capital, officials of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the US embassy led more than 200 students and the general public in riding bicycles on Sunday. Led by Bangkok Governor Mom Rajawongse Sukhumbhand Paribatra and US ambassador Kristie Kenney, they rode bicycles from Rajadamri skytrain station and headed for final destination at the residence of the ambassador on Wireless Road in central Bangkok. The campaign was jointly organised by BMA and the US embassy in Thailand with an aim to assist the former in easing traffic problem and reducing pollution in Bangkok. Governor Sukhumbhand said the cycling campaign would also help in preserving environment. He said BMA now has 31 bicycle lanes in Bangkok and is trying to increase the lanes by double in future. Some of the planned increase of the bicycle lanes are in community areas, he said, adding that BMA will have to listen to opinions of people living there first. Thanking people who had joined the campaign, Mrs. Kenney said cycling is a good solution in solving traffic problem and at the same time conserve environment and boost people’s health. On bicycle lanes, the US ambassador said they need to be improved by BMA but cyclists will have to also wear helmets for their own safety. The US embassy will continue to support this kind of programme aimed at conserving environment, Mrs. Kenney added. (TNA)