UGM launches cycling program

UGM launches cycling program

YOGYAKARTA: In its bid to help rid the city of its traffic
pollution, Gadjah Mada University last week launched the UGM
Bangga Bersepeda program to encourage students and lecturers to
use bicycles around campus.

"We realize it would be too much if we asked them to ride
bicycles from home to campus. So, instead, we are encouraging
students to use bicycles inside the university compound," Center
for Tourism Studies head Hendrie Adji Koswara said.

The program, a joint effort of the tourism, environmental
studies and transportation centers, was launched with a bike ride
from the gates of the Bunderan center to the university's central
building. The launch also saw a special track for bikers and
pedestrians inaugurated.

The campus' newly established Green Bicycle Community also
invited participants to "adopt" used bicycles that the community
had repainted green.

An important patron of the event was Sleman Regent Ibnu
Subiyanto, who is seeking reelection in the June 26 regional
poll. --JP