Pedal to the asphalt: Bicyclists riding down Jl. Thamrin in Central Jakarta in this Aug. 28 file photo, as part of celebrations for the fourth anniversary of the Bike-to-Work (B2W) Community. JP/Nurhayati
Your comments on the need for building bicycles lanes in Jakarta, which will be integrated into the city transportation system.
Nowadays many towns and cities realize that cycling is part of the solution for many problems they face. Many municipalities across Europe and the world work on improving their cycling policy.
The European Cyclists Federation together with the partner cities summarized the necessary actions in the charter of Brussels (www.velo-city2009.com/charter-brussels.html).
The cycling lanes are important tools. We need a complete network to encourage citizens to bike as a daily means of transport. I hope Jakarta will join to the club of cities and will do all necessary actions to become cycling-friendly.
Adam Bodor
Budapest
I absolutely agree with this idea, as soon as possible if we can. Most people are afraid of accidents that could be happen when bicycling in heavy traffic.
But the police should also be involved in securing bicycle lanes, because nowadays all road users, especially motorcyclists and bus drivers, often don’t care about safe driving.
Another positive impact is we are saving our environment for future generations. So please go with this idea, government!
Gunawan Lie
Jakarta
This is just a temporary move to get public support for environmental as well as transportation issues.
However, bicycle lanes aren’t necessarily needed because the busway program is enough. Just take into account that many people in the morning need fast mobilization and they struggle with time.
Suprayogi
Bandung
I don’t think we cyclists need the bicycle lanes, especially in Jakarta. I think first we need to get rid of the pollution. It is useless to have the bicycle lanes, in fact — we still ride to work/campus/school through dirty air.
It turns out to be unhealthy, while riding a bike is supposed to be a healthy activity. The cyclist can use the edge of the street as their lanes. It will be just the same, with or without the bicycle lanes, as long as the pollution pervades the street.
The government should make a policy for buildings/offices/schools to provide parking areas for bicycles. At least Jakarta would give the chance for us to park our bikes. Because I find not all buildings/places have this.
Amelia Jackson
Jakarta
Absolutely, it’s time for Jakartans to use bicycles for their daily activities. The condition of our Earth is getting worse and it’s time for us to get back to nature.
Moh. Hakiky
Purwokerto, Central Java
