The Doi Inthanon National Park in Chom Thong district of Chiang Mai province has banned all cyclists from riding downhill, citing the slippery condition of the roads, which can easily lead to accidents and unnecessary death or injury.
The park’s chief, Kriangkrai Chaipiset, announced last Friday that, in addition to the ban on downhill cycling, cyclists who plan to ride in the park must be accompanied by a support car throughout their tour for their safety, failing that they may face penalties.
He explained that, because of the high humidity in the Doi Inthanon mountains, some roads are slippery, as well as being winding and steep, which may cause cyclists or motorists to lose control of their bikes or cars, leading to accidents.
Downhill cycling is banned on Road 1009, from Chom Thong to Doi Inthanon, Road 1192 from Doi Inthanon to Mae Chaem and Chiang Mai and Road 4016 from Khun Klang to Khun Wang.
About 50,000 cars and more than 200,000 tourists have visited Doi Inthanon since the start of the 2023 fiscal year in October.
