Cycling to work<\/p>\n
We should give a big salute and strong support to the
\nIndonesian Mountain Biking Community (MTB Indonesia) in
\norganizing "A Bike to Work Event" on Aug. 6 (The Jakarta Post of
\nAug. 7). Let us treat this as a starting point for Jakarta people
\nwho really care about worsening air pollution and congestion. I
\nam sure the bicycle community understands the constraints they
\nface, and how to keep cyclists motivated and involve more people
\nin cycling to work.<\/p>\n
Some years ago, if we remember back, former president Soeharto
\nand his (late) wife, rode bicycles to commemorate special
\noccasions and to promote public health. On another occasion --
\nthe official inauguration of the University of Indonesia in Depok
\n-- the rector and his entourage, lecturers and students, declared
\nthe new campus a car-free zone. Unfortunately, these activities
\nwere little more than ceremonial events engaged in just to please
\nthe leaders, and lacked any further action or follow-up programs
\nto ensure success in reducing air pollution.<\/p>\n
Though it will be hard, and almost seems impossible, for the
\nJakarta administration to provide special lanes for bicycle
\nlovers as this would require a lot of money, there are still many
\nways in which cycling can be reintroduced to the Jakarta people.<\/p>\n
Besides educating public transportation drivers to be more
\npolite and mindful of cyclists, who as things stand at the moment
\nare in great danger, public parks, shopping centers, office
\nbuildings, malls and supermarkets should set aside part of their
\nparking lots for bicycles. Organizing cycling activities as part
\nof various ceremonial events, and asking people to use bicycles
\non public holidays, are other ways of promoting cycling.<\/p>\n
PAULUS GUNAWAN
\nJakarta<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/cycling-to-work-1447899208",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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