International Car Free Day is an international event that takes place every year on the nearest Sunday to 22nd September. Thailand has been taking part in World Car Free Day now for the last six years. To begin with, only major cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai organized bike rallies in order to promote alternative modes of transport. However, as word has spread, many more provinces have organized their own events.
Early on the morning of Sunday 23rd September 2012, over 1,200 cyclists from Samut Prakan came together to mark International Car Free Day 2012. This was the second time that Samut Prakan joined the thousands of other cities around the world to promote the use of alternative transport. The event started at the City Hall at 8 a.m. All of the cyclists were wearing one of three colours of the Thai national flag; red, white or blue. The event began with the singing of the national anthem.
After the opening ceremony had finished the cyclists then set off around Samut Prakan city and countryside. They were led by Chonsawat Asavahame, the Chairman of the PAO in Samut Prakan. The route was about 20 km long. All along the way local people came out to watch and give encouragement. This year there were far more people taking part in the event compared to last year. Hopefully if this trend continues, then more people will be motivated to get out on their bicycle instead of going by car. Cycling is not only good for your health, its also good for the enivornment.
