Design guidelines for a cycling route, “Eatable Road”: a case study of Highway Route 1252 (Lampang-Chiang Mai) Doi Langka, Lampang province

Abstract

Abstract

This paper aims to study and provide guidelines for the development of Highway Route 1252 (Lampang-Chiang Mai) for creating safe cycling routes for tourism, covering a total distance of 68 kilometers, and promoting food security by establishing a plantation route called “Eatable Road” with a total distance of 9 kilometers, featuring edible plants and beautiful scenery. Site survey data, physical data, relevant theories, and standards from manuals and related documents were collected and analyzed to optimize the design. The results revealed that; (1) the route has the potential to become a cycling route for tourism, however the road safety should be improved along the route by adding traffic signs, installing traffic barriers, setting up additional facilities, and trimming tree branches that hang over the road and obstruct the view of the beautiful scenery and (2) The eatable road involves the selection of edible local plants such as Indian Gooseberry (as the main tree), Cherry Plum (as shrub), Mulberry (as shrub), and Portulaca Quadrifida (as ground cover). These plants were arranged according to the width of the road shoulder along the 9 kilometers route, especially in public areas of the village, to promote food security, create a beautiful landscape, and represent the village’s unique identity.