Thai Cabinet sets standard for bicycle lanes

BANGKOK, January 20 (TNA) - The Thai Cabinet has resolved to set standard for designs and the construction of bicycle lanes nationwide for the first time. Thai Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith told journalists that the Cabinet, at its weekly meeting on January 19, agreed with his ministry’s proposal to set the bicycle lane standard for the first time in the country. Arkhom said under the Cabinet's resolution, the Ministry of Interior, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the Ministry of Education and the Royal Thai Police will use the standard to govern the construction and maintenance of bicycle lanes that will stretch altogether 2,352 kilometers long nationwide. Arkhom noted that 566 kilometers of bicycle lanes have been opened in Thailand, 715 kilometers of them are under construction and 1,071 more kilometers will be built in the future. The minister pointed out that cycling becomes more popular among Thai and foreign people, but existing bicycle lanes are different regarding their colors, traffic lights and direction signs; so, the common standard will help promote physical exercise, tourism and safety among people. According to the minister, the Cabinet also ordered his ministry to improve laws concerning pedestrians and cyclists and to develop infrastructure for cyclists’ conveniences to use more public transport service in order to promote cycling. Besides, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports will fund the construction of bicycle lanes in localities and introduce cycling routes, while the Ministry of Interior will issue regulations to require the owners of large buildings and bus terminals to arrange for parking lots for bicycles. The minister revealed that his ministry's Department of Local Administration will also provide facilities for pedestrians and cyclists, while the Ministry of Finance will implement tax measures to promote cycling in the country. (TNA)