Dig up the sois

[Jun]

The new pedestrian crossing on second road has no traffic lights. However, there are lights at neglected crossings under 100m up the road and 100m down. One of those goes half way across the road and the other has been overpainted with warnings for the new crossing.

Motorists take no notice of the new crossing.

What they need is lights and cameras at every crossing. Fine the owner of every car which doesn't stop.

Incidentally, there is some enforcement of rules on the roads. I saw them taking away a truck load of motorcycles that were parked on a bus stop on beach road. The bus stops that haven't had a bus service in the entire time I've been visiting Pattaya.

Perhaps enforcing something pointless is easier than ensuring the roads are safe?
The paint on these bus stops is in surprisingly good condition, considering their age and comparing with pedestrian crossings.

[Gaybutton]

Perhaps enforcing something pointless is easier than ensuring the roads are safe?

"Of course, dear. What did you expect?"
- Gladys Cooper (Mrs. Higgins), 'My Fair Lady'

[Jun]

The pavements in Cambodia seem to be better than Pattaya.

Fortunately, at least some are being upgraded, with simultaneous work on second and third roads. Much of this actually has an adequate thickness of concrete, but not consistently thick.
The new kerbs are quite wide, with a big 45° chamfer. My foot has slipped on the chamfer several times, so stepping over that is probably a good idea.

Theppraya road has some horrendous pavements. I gather other board members have had falls on this.

The section of Pattaya Tai that was done around 2001-2 remains in relatively good condition, although very grubby.

The path along Jomtien beach is good, but this one won't last.

[gerefan]

I have tripped up twice on Thappraya Road.
The first time was 3 weeks ago when I was walking to Food Mart from my Condo. I was just approaching Threppasit when I tripped on the pavement. Fortunately there were 2 guys standing near by who helped me up.

I damaged both knees, both elbows and both hands. Not serious enough to go to a hospital. One leg is still hurting although the pain is now minimal.

A week later I tripped again on Thappraya returning from a shopping trip. I was going slowly as I was about to take a turn into View Talay 2, so the damage was minimal but did slow full recovery from the first fall.

I’m a keen walker and often do several miles, usually along Dongtan Beach.

This has turned me off walking anywhere here as it is the fifth time I’ve tripped up in the last 5 years in Pattaya. I never trip in the UK.

I now go everywhere in a Bolt Taxi or on a motor bike taxi!!

[Dodger]

I’m a keen walker and often do several miles, usually along Dongtan Beach.

This has turned me off walking anywhere here as it is the fifth time I’ve tripped up in the last 5 years in Pattaya. I never trip in the UK.

I would never sacrifice my morning fitness walks for anything.

When I visit Pattaya, like I did yesterday to do some shopping, I limit my walking as much as possible for the reasons you mentioned. This is not anything new, as I've always been a bit overly-cautious because of the broken sidewalks, constant obstructions, crazy drivers, etc. And crossing one of the busy sois like Pattaya Tai or Second Rd, etc., is something I NEVER do.

I know I sound like a broken record, but this was just one of the many things I had to consider when deciding where to reside after retirement. To be honest, I can walk anywhere I want in Bang Saray without a care-in-the-world, and that's the way I like it.

Walking, in-and-by-itself, is probably the most important thing we can all do as we age to stay healthy and live longer. Don't ever stop walking...just change the place(s) where you walk to stay safe.

[Gaybutton]

just change the place(s) where you walk to stay safe.

Maybe just pace around your bedroom. That way, if you fall there is a good chance you'll land on your bed. Seems safe enough to me . . .

[Jun]

When I visit Pattaya, like I did yesterday to do some shopping, I limit my walking as much as possible for the reasons you mentioned. This is not anything new, as I've always been a bit overly-cautious because of the broken sidewalks, constant obstructions, crazy drivers, etc. And crossing one of the busy sois like Pattaya Tai or Second Rd, etc., is something I NEVER do.

Crossing both those roads is relatively safe. Excess traffic regulates speed and traffic lights also create gaps in traffic. Crossing third road is harder work.
I cross whatever road is in my way.

The lack of pavements on many routes is more of a concern.

A few days ago, one of my young Lao friends told me he just did a VERY long walk. From Central to Jomtien.
I resisted the temptation to tell him I've walked from Nakluea market to Jomtien.

Edit: I just walked up one of the best pavements in Pattaya. The catch is it's not complete. They have just poured the concrete and it's awaiting the paving slabs. Now, as they lack the aptitude to install paving slabs properly, why not just lay a thick smooth slab of concrete and leave it? That should last for years.

[Dodger]

Crossing both those roads is relatively safe.

Several farang have lost their lives crossing both Pattaya Tai and Second Rd. over the years, and the tragedies I'm most familiar with occurred in broad daylight.

A high percentage of farang in Pattaya (expats and tourists) are in their golden years and lack the reflexes needed to keep them safe in the Pattaya street environment. The smart ones know this and avoid walking across the busy streets alone altogether.

Every time I see an older grey-haired guy hobbling across these sois all by himself I take a deep breath.

[Jun]

A high percentage of farang in Pattaya (expats and tourists) are in their golden years and lack the reflexes needed to keep them safe in the Pattaya street environment. The smart ones know this and avoid walking across the busy streets alone altogether.

It's difficult to have it both ways. Either you benefit from the exercise of walking, or are too careful to cross the road.

Perhaps people who can walk out of their apartment onto Dongtan beach have an option, but almost everyone else either has severely limited range or has to cross roads.

Even there a little care is needed, as Dongtan beach road has regressed from traffic free during the day to having traffic.
I nearly got hit by a farang on a motorcycle at the pedestrian crossing by the police box.

[Gaybutton]

I nearly got hit by a farang on a motorcycle at the pedestrian crossing by the police box.

Years ago while walking I did get hit by a motorbike. Fortunately the hit only grazed my hand and I was only bruised.
You get three guesses as to whether the driver bothered to stop . . .