A fun afternoon pedaling

Cuddly creature:
Staff of The Jakarta Post and the Bali Daily pose with Willy the Sea Lion, the mascot of the Circus Waterpark in Tuban, the starting point of Friday’s fun rally. On the far right is Endy M Bayuni, the Post’s former editor in chief.
Following the colorful rain of confetti and continual flow of sparkling white wine on Thursday night, The Jakarta Post’s 29th anniversary and launch of the Bali Daily celebrations took a healthier turn on Friday afternoon, when dozens of participants pedaled their bicycle during a rally through the streets of Kuta.

After being divided into five groups, participants set off from the parking area of Circus Waterpark in Tuban, proceeding along Kartika Plaza and Pantai Kuta streets before taking a break at the first rest spot at Kuta Bex. The rally’s finish line was at The Stones on Kuta Beach.

Eco ride: Cyclists pass next to a dokar, traditional horse-drawn carriage, another eco-friendly mode of transportation.“The city of Kuta suffers from regular traffic jams. Riding a bicycle is a good way to reduce the problem of traffic. It is also a healthy and environmentally-friendly mode of transportation. This bike rally aims to promote cycling among Kuta’s residents,” The Jakarta Post’s executive director Riyadi Suparno said.

 “It would be much better for tourism if the local administration could create a pedestrian and bicycle zone on the side of Kuta’s streets,” Riyadi added.

 The Jakarta Post and Bali Daily will continue to promote Kuta as a top destination as well as give suggestions to the local administration about possible improvements to the area.

Officers from the Kuta Police also participated in the bike rally.

 “This event is for a good cause and we are happy to show our support by participating in the event,” Kuta Police traffic unit Adj. Comr. Rahmawati Ismail said.

— Photos By Agung Parameswara