Jakarta Provincial Government to Maintain Bicycle Lanes

The Head of the Jakarta Transportation Agency (Dishub), Budi Awaluddin, has announced that bicycle lanes will be maintained after receiving feedback from various parties regarding plans to remove them.

“Yes, we have discussed the bicycle lanes in our recent meeting, and they will be maintained,” Budi stated in Central Jakarta on Tuesday (22/9).

The decision to retain the lanes is based on the principle that certain modes of transport must be prioritised, specifically bicycles and pedestrians.

“Because within the transport hierarchy, bicycle lanes and pedestrian paths must be given priority,” he explained.

Nevertheless, Budi revealed that several aspects of the bicycle lanes will undergo evaluation, though he did not specify which elements would be reviewed.

“So, they are being maintained, but there will be some aspects that are evaluated later,” he said.

Previously, the Governor of Jakarta, Pramono Anung, admitted to receiving public input suggesting the removal of bicycle lanes on several road sections.

“There are proposals from the public who feel that those lanes are frequently used by motorcycles,” Pramono said in South Jakarta on Thursday (20/8).

On the other hand, he had also received input from the ‘Bike to Work’ community advocating for the preservation of the lanes.

In addition to the input from both sides, Pramono stated he would be cautious regarding the final decision on the fate of the bicycle lanes. He expressed a desire to ensure the decision is not perceived as being influenced by his personal hobby of cycling.

“Why be cautious? So it does not appear that because I enjoy cycling, I refuse to remove them. I do use a road bike, but usually only on holidays or Saturday mornings. Outside of that, I no longer cycle regularly. Therefore, I will make a decision regarding this matter,” Pramono explained.