If you ever have the chance to visit Oslo, Norway, go walk around the Bygdoy area, for there you will find a statue of a little girl with her bicycle. Named Sykkeljente, the statue was created by Fritz Roed
in 1964.

The statue seems to be an iconic landmark refl ecting the locals’ love of the bicycle. All people here, be they male or female, old or young, love cycling.

Although it is the capital city, Oslo does not cover a large area. Given its small size and proximity to any place, the bicycle has become a favorite mode of transportation.
People cycle to the office, to school, to the market or to city parks.

Foreign tourists who want to explore the city can rent bikes, as there are rental shops on every corner of the city.

Cycling in Oslo and cycling in Jakarta is not comparable. While in Oslo the air is clean and fresh, the air in Jakarta is highly polluted. And cyclists in Jakarta must have endless patience to cope with the chaotic disorder of the city’s traffic.

— Text and photos by Arief Suhardiman