Evaluation of Community Bicycle Route: A Case Study of the Rattankosin Island

Abstract

This primary research is aim to provide (1) to study the usage patterns of bicycle user 2) the assessment in terms of the satisfaction level on the cyclists, the impact on the residents and communities living within a closed proximity of the cycling routes, as well as the suitability, legality, to appropriateness of having bicycle routes around Rattanakosin island, and lastly ( 3) the solutions and recommendations in developing a new or improving an existing cycling routing network on Rattankosin island in order to create a sustainable living, which in turn truly adds value and benefit to the community of both cyclist and non-cyclist living on the island effectively and suitably to the area. The sample size selected consisted of 3 key groups of individuals; 330 of bicycle users ( cyclist) , 400 of community residents and shop house owners on designated bicycle routes, as well as numbers of community leaders, subject experts, and those whom are influential and in the same time involved with cycling related topics around Rattanakosin island. The tools deployed in conducting this research included in- field survey and investigation, on- site observation, questionnaire, and first-person interview on the subject. The findings of the research theoretically in concepts and ideas from both domestic and international studies have discovered that the majority of existing bicycle lanes on Rattanakosin island is made up of “Multi-Use-Path” type. This type of bicycle route is designed for high speed usage with designated barriers to cater for high density traffic on the route. However, this research found that Rattanakosin bicycle route in fact does not need a wider lane but instead a narrower traffic lane that suitable for cyclists with lower speed, and lesser density. With that being stated, the research is recommended to use other types of bicycle lanes such as “Share Lane” and “Wide Curb Lane” to reduce the consequence impact on car users by having the bicycle lane taken up a lesser area of street. This type of lanes can be used to avoid traffic problem in the area. Additionally, the research has also found that there two other factors that are vital for bicycle users; the first is to make the bicycle routes build up as a complete thorough network with loop-in and -out conveniently links all routes across one or another, and the second is to have other facilities and services that support directly for the cyclists for example, the sufficient parking spaces on key highlighted spots. These two factors would definitely increase the number of bicycle users on Rattanakosin island. In conclusion, there is a major need of a proper development plan for the bicycle routing strategy. By proper, meaning that all bicycle routes should be planned according to the vision, standards, data, information, assessment, and selection of appropriate type of bicycle lanes, designs, and follow-up project that measure the success of the campaign by seeing it thorough that the construction of bicycle routes/networks fits comfortably into the communities, areas, and traffics. Therefore, the appropriately built bicycle routes shall be used with full benefits and reduce as well the problems and challenges faced from not having the whole project planned out beforehand.