BANGKOK, 26 March 2018, Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport, the only airport worldwide to have its own “world-class cycle track, is counting down to the official opening.
Last week, the airport announced that Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn graciously bestowed the name, “Chareukchai Mongkoljit” Cycling Course, or in English “Happy and Healthy Bike Lane.”
The cycle track with fast and slow lanes, solar-powered lighting, a security camera network and a special smooth, low-traction surface circles the airport for a distance of 23.5 km.
The final touches to facilities are taking place ahead of the official opening, to complete a club house, changing facilities, restaurants and even a meeting room that could be used for corporate events linked to CSR projects.
In the meantime, the cycle track’s car park is packed with more than 3,000 cars at the weekends as families and cycling enthusiasts drive to the starting line to enjoy their favourite sport well clear of the capital’s notorious traffic.
There are very few spots in Bangkok where people can cycle safely and the airport’s track, by far the finest in the country, took more than three years it build.
It started as a narrow track using a surface that was not ideal for road bikes and once it became apparent how popular the track was becoming the sponsors went back to the drawing board to design a remake.
The second ‘version’ included a much smoother surface and two lanes colour-coded for slow and fast riders in a one-way circuit.
Airports of Thailand and Siam Commercial Bank Public Company Limited are the main sponsors for the project that is likely to cost around THB 100 million.
To use the cycle track, cyclists have to register and obtain a SNAP intelligent wrist strap that allows entrance. Registration is free for now.
