Cyclists gear up to prise open Bangkok's gridlock

For anyone who drives, Monday, September 22, will probably be another day behind the wheel. But maybe it shouldn't be.

To mark Bangkok's Car-Free Day on Sunday, September 21, thousands of cyclists will gather to show what pedal power can do. In Bangkok, a morning ride will end at Din Daeng's Thai-Japanese Stadium where cyclists will brake in formation to create a huge map of Thailand. Rides will also set out simultaneously from the municipal offices of other provinces.

Bangkok cyclists will meet for a round of the national anthem at 8am at six start points - the Siam Paragon and Emporium malls, the Chang Building, Railway Park, Lumpini Park and the Mall Bang Kapi. Around 3,000 cyclists are expected to arrive at the stadium before noon, where each will be handed a bright umbrella that they'll wheel into place to make the football-pitch-sized map of rainbow colours.

The yellow T-shirts that were worn last year were replaced by a multicoloured theme to steer clear of the political situation, says organiser Cholchai Tessiri, a campaigner for cycle use.

"I'm not asking for bike lanes everywhere," says Cholchai. "We only need the right to ride on the streets."