According to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the city recorded 171,492 bike-sharing trips in October, a 60% jump from the 107,000 logged in September.
In January 2024, when the program first launched, there were only 1,700 monthly trips.
The BMA credits this jump to the “Night Ride” craze fueled by social media, Thai PBS World said.
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The Grand Palace in Thailand, seen from across the Chao Phraya River in 2017. Photo by Preecha.MJ / CC BY-SA 4.0 |
As daytime temperatures drop and city traffic slows down, riders, especially Gen Z, are using bike apps to explore Rattanakosin Island, Bangkok’s Old Town, after dark.
Riders can enjoy cooler weather, quiet streets, and historic landmarks such as the Grand Palace, the Giant Swing, and Wat Arun.
Cycling also lets people explore streets, take photos for social media, and enjoy late-night street food.
Users can unlock shared bikes through apps like HelloRide, Anywheel for 10 to 20 baht (US$0.30 – 0.60) for 30 minutes, or buy a full-day pass for around 50 baht, according to the Bangkok Post.
The BMA’s bike network currently has 719 stations in 35 districts, including historic areas, business hubs, and major university campuses.
The Bangkok administration is expanding parking and connection points to link cycling with public transit systems like the electric rail network.
The city plans to add 850 new bicycle racks, taking the total to over 5,500, and transform unused spaces under pedestrian bridges into safe bike parking.
Many people say Bangkok needs safer roads and proper bike lanes before cycling can become a real daily transportation option.
To address safety, city officials ask cyclists to wear helmets, follow traffic rules, and keep their voices down when riding through residential areas.