CYCLISTS took over in Phuket City today as the first two-wheel tour of Old Phuket Town acknowledged the rising interest in getting from point A to point B without the help of a motor.

A legs and lungs brigade of about 100 riders tripped for about 10 kilometres from attraction to attraction, pausing in Phuket City's Saphan Hin park to plant 50 trees. At least one tandem cycle for two was there, along with a trishaw.

Most riders of all ages settled for two wheels and a bicycle helmet . . . the kind of headgear that is also preferred by some motorcyclists who can't tell the difference between an impact at 20 kilometres an hour and one at 80 kilometres an hour.

Today's event may inspire some of those errant motorcycle riders to keep their bicycle helmet, and buy a bicycle to ride beneath it.

Canadian Paul Eaton, one of several expats among the riders, said: ''It's good to be able to join locals and look around. Phuket needs to make riding safer for bicycle riders with cycle lanes. It's a good alternative to public transport, or high-priced fares.''

Cities around the world these days are encouraging cycling of the pedal kind. It's a win-win for users in terms of exercise and savings, and good for the environment as well as the public health system.

Most people thought today's tour, promoted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, was a good start and a recognition that cycling and other non-motorised sports, such as surfing, deserve a larger following.