Bangkok bike-sharing trips surge as night rides boom

Bangkok’s public bike-sharing programme is gaining popularity among residents, students and tourists, with the number of trips surging by 60% in a single month, largely boosted by recreational night rides.

The scheme recorded 171,492 trips in October, up from 107,000 in September, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) said on Wednesday.

A key factor behind the sharp increase in usage has been the growing popularity of “night rides”, with cyclists exploring the capital’s Old Town and illuminated landmarks around Rattanakosin Island.

The activity has become a popular lifestyle trend, particularly among Generation Z, gaining traction through social media.

The bike-sharing service is accessible through the HelloRide, Anywheel and geco apps, with rental rates starting at 10 baht for 30 minutes. One-day passes are available for as little as 50 baht.

The most popular docking locations include the Sanam Chai MRT station, Bangkok City Hall near the Giant Swing, Sam Yot MRT station, Suankularb Wittayalai School and Debsirin School.

When the scheme was first launched in January 2024, it recorded only about 1,700 trips a month, according to the BMA. Usage has gradually increased as City Hall expanded the network and improved access in collaboration with HelloRide. (Story continues below)

Aekvaranyoo Amrapala, an adviser to the Bangkok governor, said the BMA was continuing to develop first- and last-mile connections, particularly by expanding bicycle docking stations to improve links between different transport systems and major public transport services.

He said the BMA’s approach was based on the concept of “connecting the dots”, allowing people to travel from their homes to major transport networks, such as electric rail services.

Meanwhile, the BMA plans to install another 850 bicycle parking racks, adding to the existing 4,888 units and bringing the total to more than 5,500.

The expanded facilities are expected to accommodate more than 48,000 privately owned bicycles. The BMA is also working to transform spaces beneath pedestrian overpasses and around public transport interchanges into safer and more accessible bicycle parking areas.

The BMA has set a long-term target of reaching one million trips.

However, some online commenters questioned whether the surge reflected practical demand for daily commuting, arguing that the trend was largely driven by recreational night rides, when traffic is lighter and cyclists can take photographs.

They said the scheme still needed improvements in infrastructure, road safety and regulations before it could become a more practical option for everyday travel as the BMA expects.