More and more Bangkokians are starting to leave their car at home and look into alternatives such as public transportation or even motorcycles. Their best bet may be a bicycle. Jutaporn Sakdamnan, 37, yoga instructor, proves that it really can be done by riding her bicycle to work every day. Not suffocated, not covered in grime, and looking pretty radiant, she gave us the details on riding in Bangkok.

Why do you ride a bicycle to work ?
It’s fast, safe, practical and healthier. Before I started using a bicycle, I was taking the bus. It took me much longer to get to work and I always had sore throats and felt exhausted.

How did you start?
I wanted to exercise at Lumpini Park because it’s close my house. It takes only 10 minutes to get there by bicycle. But by bus, you need to count 30 minutes.

How long does it take you to go to work?
15 minutes. My place is at Saphan Lueng. I ride into Soi Lalaisap then down Sathorn and that’s it. Taking the bus used to take me twice as long or even one hour in the evening. I’ve been cycling to work for a year now.

Have you ever been in an accident ?
No, but the first time I rode my bike in Bangkok, I was very scared. I tried to be very careful and aware of my surroundings. That’s what we should do at all times but sometimes accidents are out of your control. So far, I’ve been lucky, probably because I ride very close to footpath. It’s really too bad Bangkok does not have enough lanes for bicycles.

Do you wear a helmet?
Yes, of course. I want to protect myself. I use a small, light helmet designed specifically for bicycle riders. I also cover my nose and mouth with a handkerchief.

Are any of your friends following your example?
I have friends who work at Chulalongkorn hospital who ride a bicycle to get there and some friends who use it in Lumpini to exercise. It saves them time, money, and it’s good for your health. Personally, I also ride to the market, at Bang Rak, and to go shopping. I think many people are starting to use a bicycle.

Are bicycles for everybody?
If it takes more than 30 minutes for you to get to your workplace by bicycle, I think it’s too dangerous and tiring to bother. Otherwise, go for it.

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