Reclaiming the Footpath for Pedestrians
Police in Bangkok have just started their latest crackdown. We all know it won’t last long of course, but at least the message is getting out there. Motorcyclists who are riding on the sidewalk are now being stopped by the police and fined. Personally I’m happy about this as numerous times I have been nearly hit by speeding motorcyclists. Their heavy bikes also do a lot of damage to the paths and manhole covers making it dangerous for pedestrians and impassable for people in wheelchairs. I hope they keep this one up. But, they do need to lead by example as I have seen police cops riding on the sidewalk too.
Pictures from Facebook
I thought it is legal to ride on a sidewalk due to every corner having a carved out access ramp…who putt the ramps there making it accessible to motorcycles but not wide enough for a wheelchair?
True, riding on the sidewalk is wrong and dangerous; but I do it too. I know I shouldn’t and I try not to, but the disorganization and randomness of the road system and traffic lights makes it hard not to. When I miss a 30 second light on a searing afternoon on my bike, then have to wait 2 minutes for another chance, it’s unbearable! Before I rode, I didn’t understand why riders do what they do, riding opposite traffic, on sidewalks, etc. Now I do!
I’m all for this, but sadly don’t see it lasting.