Car Free Day campaign revs up

A plaque signed by New York mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani on Sept. 13, 1999, to commemorate the centennial of Henry H. Bliss' death was meant to "promote safety on streets and highways", as well as to remember Bliss as "the first recorded motor vehicle fatality".

The date of Bliss' death initiated the UN-endorsed Car Free Day movement around the globe.

In Jakarta, where motorized vehicles dominate the streets, leaving little room for pedestrians and cyclists, the Clean Emission Partnership staged a Car Free Day campaign on Wednesday.

The campaign was also held to commemorate World Ozone Day, which fell on Sept. 16.

State Minister for the Environment Nabiel Makarim, Jakarta Environmental Management Agency head Kosasih Wirahadikusumah and members of the public rode their bicycles along Jl. Sudirman, from in front of the Hotel Sahid Jaya to the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle to mark the occasion.

"This Car Free Day is a moment when the public and the government can review the development of the transportation system toward 'environmentally sustainable transportation'. We hope this opportunity will become an informal gathering to discuss the city's future. Hopefully, other cities will follow suit," Nabiel said.

Jakarta had only 25.55 days of "good" air quality last year. Vehicle emissions account for up to 70 percent of air pollution in the city, while the remaining 30 percent comes from industrial emissions.

Long-term exposure to air pollution -- especially carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxide and particulate -- can adversely affect a person's respiratory and nervous systems.

Car Free Day organizer Bambang Parlupi said the peak of the commemoration would be on Sunday, when all motorized vehicles would be restricted along Jl. Sudirman and Jl. Thamrin from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Several events, including competitions for children and families, will highlight the event. -- JP