BANGKOK, Sept 23 — More than 20,000 cyclists rode their bicycles in central Bangkok yesterday to observe Bangkok Car-Free Day 2013 to encourage people to use more public transport, Thai News Agency (TNA) reported.

The cyclists, led by Bangkok governor Mom Rajawongse Sukhumbhand Paribatra, began their trip at 9am at Sanam Luang, an open field and public square in front of Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace, here.

They rode along Ratchadamnoen Avenue to reach their final destination at Central World shopping mall at the Ratchaprasong intersection.

This year’s Bangkok Car-Free Day 2013 is arranged under the concept of ‘Share the Road’. The activity was held in conjunction with the World Car-Free Day on September 22.

In an attempt to persuade more people to ride bicycles and reduce pollution in the capital, M.R. Sukhumbhand said the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) would coordinate with Bangkok police to provide more convenience to cyclists using bicycle lanes in the city and it would also create additional 35 bicycle lanes. — Bernama