Update 2018: This whole experiment lasted about six months. It was fine while it lasted, but let’s be honest – it’s just a numbers game. As I’ve said before, riding a bike in Bangkok isn’t deadly, but it isn’t safe, and the more often you ride, the higher the chances are of something happening. With a toddler at home and a nervous wife, I decided to just submit to The Man and take the BTS to work.

If you’ve read my site before you probably know that I ride my bike a lot in and around Bangkok (or used to, before I had a kid). Most of these rides begin in the city proper, but head out toward the quieter suburbs, which is less hectic and more enjoyable. Riding solely in the city is something that I seldom do, but that changed recently when I decided to start riding my bike to work. After about two months of this, I thought I should reflect on how it’s going.

I’ve said it before, but riding a bike in Bangkok isn’t as dangerous as most people think it is. It’s not safe by any stretch of the imagination, but unless you’re riding along a major artery (and there are very few reasons to do so) most roads are easily navigable if you are patient, understand how the traffic works, and ride safely (ie, no headphones, use hand signals, shoulder check, etc).

The most common question I get is “Aren’t you a sweaty, disgusting mess when you get to work?”

All this came about because I was hired to write something on commuting in Bangkok, which involved a look at those who ride their bikes. I decided it would be disingenuous of me to do so without actually trying it, so I decided to give it a go for a month. Two months later, I’m still going strong, and plan to continue doing it.

The only worry is that my chances of flat tires goes way up. So many choices!

The only worry is that my chances of flat tires goes way up. So many choices!

My previous commute consisted of a 3-minute walk to a motorbike taxi, a short motorbike taxi ride to the BTS, 20 minutes on the BTS, and a 5-minute walk to work, for a total commute time of about 35-45 minutes, depending on how long I had to wait for the train. This cost me about 1,800 baht a month on a stored value transit card, depending on how many times I used the card on the weekends or evenings.

Now to riding. My route is from the Thonburi side of the river to Silom, straight up Silom, across Rama IV, and down Ratchdamri to Central World, where my office is, a total of about 6.5km. Crossing the river is the worst part, but after that, it’s a breeze – 20 or 25 minutes (depending on lights) and I’m in the elevator going up to my desk, which means I can bike to work in anywhere from 25-35 minutes, depending on the ferry. Plus I’m saving 1,800 baht a month, and riding about 13km a day. Not bad. My route is the same on the way back. Here’s a map:

Pretty simple.

Pretty simple.

The most common question I get is “Aren’t you a sweaty, disgusting mess when you get to work?” Not really. First, the ride isn’t that strenuous. It’s not a race, and I ride at a steady, comfortable speed. I wear a wick-dry bike shirt and carry my work shirt in my backpack. I change when I get to the office, and a little USB fan on my desk keeps a nice cool breeze on my face as I cool down. When I used to walk from the BTS station, I often arrived just as, if not more, sweaty. And if all else fails, some emergency baby powder and deodorant in my desk will get me smelling real purdy real quick.

I even made a video with a handlebar-cam on my way to work, at 1 frame per second, which is 30x normal speed. Because of this, it appears a lot crazier than it is.

Positives: Riding my bike to work is faster, cheaper, and healthier than taking the BTS, and I’m going to continue to do it as long as I can (though I’m curious how the upcoming rainy season will go).

Negatives: Changing into new clothes at work is a minor pain in the ass, and if it starts to rain at the end of the day, I have to make alternate plans. It’s also far less safe than taking the BTS, and only those very comfortable with riding in Bangkok should try it.