Tangerang needs pedestrian bridges

TANGERANG (JP): The Tangerang Public Works Office wants the private sector to assist in building pedestrian bridges in the township because the administration has a very limited budget.

"To fulfill the need for pedestrian bridges the office has invited the private sector to build them," Komarudin, the office chief, said yesterday.

Komarudin told The Jakarta Post the offer will profit businessmen because they can advertise their products on the bridges they construct.

Komarudin said that the presence of pedestrian bridges is very important to help reduce the high rate of traffic accidents involving pedestrians in the township.

Komarudin said the limited budget is not the only factor hampering the construction of pedestrian bridges by his office. The scarcity of land for the construction of the bridges is a problem as well.

Komarudin said that the office is now planning to construct six pedestrian bridges in a number of locations: Jl. Daan Mogot, Jl. Merdeka, Jl. Otista, Pujalidane park, the Cimone area and near the Cikokol bus terminal.

In order to facilitate road crossing, the Tangerang Police Chief, Lt. Col. R. Hari Setyabudhi, said that the police have crossing signs, which can be carried by pedestrians when they are walking across busy roads.

The crossing signs are made of wood and iron sheeting. They are decorated with pictures of cartoon characters in striking and vibrant colors, which are sure to attract the attention of motorists.

The signs are available at some crosswalks. The signs are meant to warn the motorists to slow down. They should be placed on the other side of the road after the crossing.

According to one Tangerang resident, the signs boost courage when pedestrians are crossing the roads, even though they may not be the best solution to the problem. (13/mas)