Hua Hin public park and bike lane project begins first phase; residents hope to ease traffic and add green space

Hua Hin Municipality has started the first phase of a three-year plan to develop public spaces and a bicycle route connecting the town center to the beach. Construction for the initial section, stretching from Phetkasem Road to the central park, is budgeted at more than 120 million baht. The project focuses on increasing green space, improving landscaping, and creating safe bike lanes to promote non-motorized travel.

The initiative stems from cooperation among the municipality, urban planners and civil society after a survey found residents want more public space and that traffic becomes congested during tourist seasons. The project will include planting large trees, installing lighting, providing seating areas and building a 6-kilometer bike route linking the town center to the beach, as well as public bike rental stations to reduce short-distance car use.

Residents and local business owners expressed positive views, saying the project will help ease traffic during the high season and raise overall quality of life. Preecha, who runs a coffee shop on Phetkasem Road, said the bike lanes and green seating areas will encourage customers to linger longer and boost revenue for small businesses in the community. Older residents said accessible public space will benefit exercise and social gatherings.

On the environmental side, experts say planting trees and increasing permeable areas will help reduce flash flooding during heavy rains, which have become more frequent with climate change. Promoting cycling will also reduce air and noise pollution, aligning with the province’s sustainable tourism policy. However, the project faces concerns from some car drivers who fear traffic may worsen during construction, and some street vendors worry about land expropriation that could affect their businesses.

The municipality said it will hold further public consultations before proceeding with any sections that require expropriation and will implement compensation measures for affected people, as well as set clear construction schedules to minimize impacts on tourism during the high season. Officials emphasized that safety for tourists and residents will be a priority and aim for the completed project to make Hua Hin a livable coastal town that is convenient for ecotourism.

Long-term plans include extending the bike network to connect with outlying attractions such as floating markets and fishing communities to disperse visitors and generate income for neighboring communities. The municipality will periodically monitor the project’s economic and social impacts to adjust the plan to meet the needs of both residents and future visitors.