Updated 21-Jan-2025
While in Thailand, the dangers of bicycling should not be understated. More than one around the world bicycling trip has had an untimely termination in Thailand. The main issue is the unwritten rule that smaller vehicles (motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians) are to give way to larger vehicles (cars and trucks). There is no right of way for bicycles, or pedestrians for that matter. Secondly, many people (as elsewhere in the world) simply do not see bicyclists, or easily are distracted, with a poor outcome for the cyclist. The third issue is dogs. Though other countries have them, they are definitely here, out and about, and may try and have a bit of fun, or a more serious engagement. Be prepared.
That said, the generally lovely climate (specifically at dawn and before dusk), and very good condition of many roads, as well as the elevation in the hills and mountains, make bicycling a treat.
Bicycling in Chiang Mai
In Chiang Mai, I used to live closer to Doi Suthep and rode up and down that mountain quite a bit (about 75 minutes round-trip). Closer to home (Hang Dong), we have the short but steep Wat Doi Pa Pao and the longer (and steeper, though only a small part of the loop) Wat Phra That Doi Kham. I only travel to the entrance of Doi Kham, not ascend the insane grade along with the insane drivers. Still, the leg from Bang Pong School to the Doi Kham entrance is fantastic (and joyfully tiring).
Bicycling in Honolulu
I love bicycling, since my early teenage years, and for many years it was my primary transportation as a teenager, and in my 20s. Even in Hawaii for 7 years, a bicycle was eminently more practical (and great for exercise, especially riding up and down the Tantalus-Round Top loop). It was my only means of transportation.
Bicycling in Berkeley
The Berkeley Hills are a fantastic ride from downtown Berkeley, and of course taking the bike on BART to San Francisco and riding across the city and the Golden Gate Bridge into the Marin Headlands, is a truly lovely time, and especially picturesque when the summer fog comes rolling in.