Policy and Measures to Promote the Use of Walkway Areas at Chulalongkorn University

[ https://www.facebook.com/cu2040masterplan/ ]

As Chulalongkorn University is an educational institution located across a wide area in the center of Bangkok, it has become a connecting point for people transiting to other places.  The campus is open and accessible not only to its students, lecturers and staff, but also to the general public and passers-by, including vehicles.

In preparation for the Master Plan Strategy of Chulalongkorn University 2040 (CU2040), a strategic design has been set up to promote universal access and transit for all commuters – particularly with access to walkway areas across the campus. Chulalongkorn University has well realized the importance of designing its environment to serve and support all students, lecturers and staff, as well as the general public and those with disabilities and the elderly.  They should be able to use walkways within the campus with comfort, safety and equality. This is in line with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 for Good Health and Well-being, SDG 10 for Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 11 for Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Measures for the preparation of space for walkways at the university are as follows:

CU Covered Walkways & Sky Walk

CU covered walkways & sky walk is a linking path for those who are not in a rush or those who enjoy walking on the campus. It is a covered walkway and links buildings across the university promoting connections between facilities. It also helps reduce the use of carbon-emitting vehicles and motorcycles on the campus, and promotes good health and well-being for students and staff by encouraging them to exercise more by being able to walk safely during the rainy and hot seasons. [ http://www.green.chula.ac.th/index.php/transportation/cu-cover-way-sky-walk/ ]

Accessibility and the provision of Ramps for Disabled Persons at Chulalongkorn University

Chulalongkorn University has developed its infrastructure and environmental management across the campus to serve wheelchair users and those with visual impairments. Many buildings have ramp access for wheelchairs and signs in braille for the visually impaired. The university maintains and repairs the walkways across the campus so that they are in good condition and so that pedestrian access is not impeded. Alterations are made if needed so that wheelchair users can safely cross the roadways. [ http://www.prm.chula.ac.th/disabled-access/ ] This is in response to clause 37 under the ‘Support and Development of Life Quality for the Disabled Act’ of 2007 [ http://web1.dep.go.th/sites/default/files/files/law/37_0.pdf ]and the ministerial law of 2005, to provide building access to both the elderly and those with disabilities. [ https://download.asa.or.th/03media/04law/cba/mr/mr48-58e-upd(02).pdf ]

In addition, a group of Chulalongkorn University students organized a campaign called “Chula Walk” to survey campus areas and surroundings to see whether they are suitable for the disabled in their daily lives. These students also helped to focus attention on the issues for the Universal Design Center so that changes could be made to better serve those with disabilities. [ https://www.accessibilityisfreedom.org/%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B3%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%88%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%88%E0%B8%B8%E0%B8%AC%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%AF-chula-walk0/ ]

The Phaya Thai Road Tunnel and Speed Bumps

A tunnel under Phaya Thai Road and speed bumps have been constructed according to the university’s safety policy for pedestrians on campus. The tunnel was built following an agreement between Chulalogkorn University and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to help facilitate students, faculty members, staff and the public with a walkway that links the two sides of the university campus. People can safely pass below the street so that there is less of a risk to them from vehicles. [ http://www.memohall.chula.ac.th/article/%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%B8%E0%B9%82%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%84%E0%B9%8C/ ]  [ https://www.thaipbs.or.th/news/content/311964  ]

Source: https://www.creativecitizen.com/cu-tunnel/

The speed bumps at crossing points were built in combination with crosswalks at many places throughout the university at strategic locations for pedestrians. Special attention was given to the needs of the disabled individuals who need to use a wheelchair because the sidewalk and the road are at different levels meaning it would be very difficult for them to use it as a crossing point. In creating the speed bumps, they were made to be at the same level as the sidewalks on both sides to facilitate easier movement for disabled people. In the planning stage, appropriate points were identified and safe distances for installation were taken into account for pedestrian crossings and the best travel routes for the disabled. The university has also encouraged all students and faculty staff to use the walkways within the campus and they can even be used in the case of flooding around the campus.

In addition, the speed bumps help lower the speed of vehicles on campus so that drivers are more in control and there is less danger to pedestrians on campus. This is also helps to protect drivers as well. At present, there are a variety of vehicles on campus – including cars, motorcycles, scooters and e-tuktuks (under the ‘MuvMi’ brand) which adhere to the reduced speed limit which helps to lower the risk of accidents on campus.