By NewsGram Staff Writer

Bangkok, Thailand: On August 16, dozens of people in Bangkok gathered together for the inaugural of a mass cycling event "Bike For Mom". This also brings to the limelight a long-forgotten mode of transport. Prince of Thailand himself has started this initiative to honour his mother (the queen). The event holds utmost significance for the prince as it is held next to the queen's birthday and for the denizens it is special too as it falls around the Mother's Day in Thailand. Thus, people celebrate this event with great pomp and show.

This time though the celebrations could not last longer as on Monday, August 17, Bangkok rocked with a bomb explosion near the Erawan Hindu shrine, killing more than 20 people and injuring about 120. It was indeed a shock for the country.

Just a day before this tragic incident, Bangkok was laced in cheer and joy. It was a record breaking event as about 1,46,266 qualifying cyclists participated. Thailand aims to improve the traffic flow and also to bring down the pollution levels of the country. This event thus, serves more purposes than just enjoyment. It encourages people to ride cycle instead of driving a car and think of it as an alternative to the other modes of transport. This will visibly keep the pollution levels in check and the country will be able to breath in a cleaner air.

An event organised with such a noble thought got diluted in the blasts that followed it. It is indeed a tough time for Bangkok.