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Vientiane but also Bangkok implement new free bicycle rides for their inhabitants and visitors. If the idea is probably well adapted to Vientiane, how will the “share a bike” scheme work out for Bangkok?
BANGKOK/MANILA- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Japan formally launched in November a bicycle-sharing scheme which will be tested in three cities before being possibly adopted by other cities located in Asia-Pacific. The Greater Mekong Sub-Region has been selected also as a test market with Laotian capital city Vientiane being equipped. The city was selected after consultations with local, national and international stakeholders.
“This initiative will show that urban transport conditions can be improved through the low-cost and zero-emission solution of bicycle-sharing systems,” said Lloyd Wright, Senior Transportation Specialist in ADB’s Regional and Sustainable Development Department.
The project will help improve air quality, as well as reduce the rate of pedestrian accidents and fatalities linked with too many private vehicles on the road. In 1980s, only 9% of the world’s 360 million motorized vehicles were found in the Asia and Pacific region. By 2030, it is estimated that nearly half of the world’s projected 1.5 billion vehicles will be in the region.
Aside from contributing to cleaner air, bicycle-sharing is recognized as a means of travelling on short trips that are too long to walk, and a way to close the gaps between public transport and a rider’s final. The project will cost two million US dollars and is funded through a grant attributed by the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction and administered by the ADB.
Bangkok is also launching a Bicycle Sharing System. Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is developing a system of bicycles to be made available for locals and visitors alike. The scheme was officially launched on October 28 with the first rental station opened to the public at Chamchuri Square and in front of the Bangkok Post in front of the BTS Station Siam. Initially, BMA plans to have 100 bikes for rental. However, this number will increase to 500 with 50 rental stations by February 2013. The administration hopes that the scheme will be more successful than a previous attempt to provide free bikes along Sanam Luang, the Royal Field in front of the Royal Palace in Bangkok historical city. The scheme was dropped due to the small number of people using the bikes. Bangkok bicycle rental scheme will only be available for bikers registering for a Rental Bike smart card. Once widely developed all over the metropolis, the system will then become a truly efficient and environment-friendly transport alternative.
It will however request serious investments in the city from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to create proper bike lanes which explained why former attempts to offer free bikes never met the expected success.
Globally, bicycle-sharing schemes became popular after Paris inaugurated its system in 2007. Since then, more than 300 systems have opened across the Americas, Asia and Europe.
Luc Citrinot a French national is a freelance journalist and consultant in tourism and air transport with over 20 years experience. Based in Paris and Bangkok, he works for various travel and air transport trade publications in Europe and Asia.
