Riding a bike

Post by **johnnyk** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 6:19 am

If this isn't the right place, mods please move it where you think it fits best.
OK, my house is a 40 minute walk to the train tracks so transportation has become an issue for me.
I have never ridden a motorbike and feel that Thailand isn't the place for me to learn so I've pretty much ruled it out.
I don't want to buy a car because of cost and the fact I wouldn't use it more than a couple of months a year at most.

So, what about a bicycle? I like biking and I've seen quite a few people riding around town.
My questions to cyclists are:
Do you consider cycling in and around HH risky?
Do Thai drivers respect cyclists or regard them as in the way?
Would you consider cycling riskier than riding a moto?

Any comments woud be appreciated. Thanks

Post by **margaretcarnes** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 7:28 am

Good question! I did have a bike for a while in HH about 7 years ago. Lived in the town centre then, and for very local trips OK, but I never ventured onto Petkhasem even then!
I think it depends really where you live. For example, quite a few expats use bikes on Chomsin and Naebkerhardt, which are still quite safe IMO, and you see a lot heading home South on Petkhasem.
So really it's what you feel comfortable with. I can't comment on the attitudes of Thai drivers to cyclists, but did notice a lot more Thais riding bikes themselves recently. They are cheap, and worth a try.
You can also get bikes with electric motors for between about 13,500 and 18,000.

Post by **miked** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 7:35 am

johnnyk wrote
Do you consider cycling in and around HH risky?
Do Thai drivers respect cyclists or regard them as in the way?
Would you consider cycling riskier than riding a moto?

(1) walking in HH is risky let alone cycling
(2) Thai drivers have no respect for anyone but themselves.
(3) if you buy a Thai made bike it will be cheap rubbish. as with most Thai made products it will look good, but quality crap.

buy an automatic step through or scooter it doesn't matter what you buy but if you lack confidence imo an automatic is safer. you don't have to ride fast. make 30k your max speed. a good crash helmet and good mirrors.
miked

Post by **Takiap** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 9:05 am

I don't think Thai drivers feel any different about someone on a bike - you mean nothing to them no matter what you're driving or riding.......lol

Yes there has been a sharp increase on the number of Thai riding bikes and judging from the group of them that come past here everyday, no expense has been spared with regards to the bikes they ride. Not sure if they're imports or not but they are all top of the range and certainly beyond my budget.

You may want to consider a scooter because they are really easy to ride even if you've never been on one before. Just start off slowly while you get the hang of it and don't worry to much because all the Thai drivers are used to having learner drivers on the roads. After all, that's how and where all Thais learn to drive..........lol

Post by **kendo** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 9:27 am

If you perchased a twist and go scooter at least you will out run the soi dogs.

Kendo.

Post by **twiggy** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 9:47 am

I have been riding a bicycle for 20 years, and so far I have not had an accident.

But remember never to put any valuables in the basket . Many people have lost their wallet , handbags , etc. from a passing motorbike snapping things from it .

Pethkasem road is OK. Stop and look near all sois , traffic can come from the wrong side as well.

But as a woman I will never ride alone in remote areas. So take care and good luck with your ride Johnnyk.............good exercice too.....

Post by **Randy Cornhole** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 10:08 am

If you have your wits about you and you are used to riding on 2 wheels (I think perhaps you are not as you haven't ridden a m/c before) then its ok. If you aren't then be very careful.

I have ridden mountain bikes all my life and still ended flying over the handle bars on the petchakasam road thanks to a taxi bike riding down the wrong side of the road!!!

Being somewhat rotund of girth I was lucky and just bounced a bit. I was however wearing a proper cycle helmet which is VERY IMPORTANT!!!!!

Post by **twiggy** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 10:17 am

Forgot to say that it is in HH I have riding a bike for 20 years.

At home it has been a bit longer.

I am quite new at this forum...and forget things often. May have somethings to do with age.

Have a good day....all of you...

Post by **johnnyk** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 10:18 am

Randy Cornhole wrote:If you have your wits about you and you are used to riding on 2 wheels (I think perhaps you are not as you haven't ridden a m/c before) then its ok. If you aren't then be very careful.
Actually I've had mountain bikes for more than 10 years, just never learned to ride a moto.
I have ridden mountain bikes all my life and still ended flying over the handle bars on the petchakasam road thanks to a taxi bike riding down the wrong side of the road!!!
Been over the bars meself, but not on P'kasem!!!
Being somewhat rotund of girth I was lucky and just bounced a bit. I was however wearing a proper cycle helmet which is VERY IMPORTANT!!!!!
Indeed, I won't ride without one, anywhere.
Thanks everybody, looks like I'll be buying a mountain bike.

Post by **Randy Cornhole** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 10:50 am

If you are going to buy a mountain bike then can I suggest a trek. They are sold in HH (pro bike) and start at around 13,000 bht which is quite adequate. You may get a second hand one but they aren't really that much cheaper so better to go for a new one.

If you go for a Thai make then, well need I say more...

I suppose it all depends on how many kilos you are going to do.

Post by **Rob W** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 1:15 pm

Johnny
I was talking to a lady who also lives at the same place as us and she was saying she was attached by the dogs at the first village you come to heading to town, she is too scared to ride now. I have never had any bother walking by them though.
Rob

Post by **Randy Cornhole** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 3:38 pm

Ah yes, has anyone not mentioned dogs...? They do tend to go for bicycles. I have a whole bucket of horror stories, but don't want to put you off too soon...

Post by **STEVE G** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 5:09 pm

I've cycled around Hua Hin quite a bit and I've never had any problems. If you're reasonably athletic a mountain bike is no slower than a scooter in the traffic, but lighter so you can stop quicker.
Obviously you have to be very careful, but I don't think it's any more dangerous than a motor bike.

Post by **Heebio** » Wed Mar 25, 2009 1:40 pm

Hi Johnny,

I've ridden a mountain bike around Hua Hin every day for the last three years and agree with Randy and Twiggy's advice.

IMO the drivers here are much more tolerant of cyclists than they are in the UK for example - they do give way here and I've never had any kind of problem with vehicles.

Regardless of your experience I think you'll enjoy cycling here and will find it's so easy to get around you'll soon be wondering why you didn't do it sooner.

Go for it mate.

Post by **STEVE G** » Wed Mar 25, 2009 2:04 pm

I think a farang on a bicycle has a certain shock effect with Thai drivers which tends to make them more tolerant of you.
In some ways I've found it worst in Europe where some motorists treat cyclists very aggressively and you can even get abuse hurled at you.