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Helmet on! Ministry issues bicycle safety rules
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A girl prepares to ride a Gowes bicycle near the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle in Jakarta on July 5. Bike-sharing platform Gowes provides 200 bicycles at six points in the city during its trial run. (JP/Wendra Ajistyatama)
T
he Transportation Ministry has issued safety rules for cyclists as more people have been turning to the environmentally friendly mode of transportation amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ministerial Regulation No. 59/2020 – signed on Aug. 25 – stipulates safety requirements to be met by cyclists, such as using a bicycle certified under the Indonesian National Standard (SNI).
Bicycles should be equipped with -- among other things – fenders, bells, brakes, lights and reflectors. Bicycles commonly used for sport, such as racing bikes and mountain bikes, however, are exempted from the fender requirement.
Lights and reflectors are only required when riding in the dark or other conditions of limited visibility, such as foggy weather, heavy rain or passing through a tunnel.
Read also: Road safety issue hinders goal of bike-friendly city
The regulation also allows bicyclists to wear additional safety gear, such as a protective helmet, and requires them to obey road signs in regard to the safety of themselves as well as other road users.
The ministry allows regional administrations to issue their own regulations to determine the types of bicycles allowed in their respective regions.
Transportation Ministry Land Transportation Director General Budi Setiyadi said he hoped the regulation would help promote bicycles as a mode of transportation.
“We also hope that all office and school building operators provide bicycle parking facilities that are easy to access and safe. The facilities should also not disturb pedestrians,” said Budi.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, cycling has become a popular option for commuting to work and for exercise. The Indonesian Bicycle Companies Association (Apsindo) reported that demand for the two-wheel vehicle has been increasing, with bicycle imports rising by 24.8 percent year-on-year to a total value of US$39 million in the first half of 2020.
The trend, however, has raised concerns over safety following reports about unruly cyclists.
A group of cyclists reportedly rode down the Jagorawi toll road on Sept. 13, although two-wheel vehicles are not allowed to enter the highway.
