UGM promotes 'green bicycle'

Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta

Green bicycles bearing a plate "UGM Green Bicycle" under the saddle were seen parked in neat rows near the rectorate building of the reputable Gadjah Mada University (UGM).

The bicycles can be used for free by UGM students, lecturers and employees. Near the parking lot, a banner reads "Free Use, contact UGM housekeeping office or UGM security guard."

"For those who wish to use the bicycles, feel free to contact the UGM housekeeping office and show your UGM identity card," said UGM employee Nur Astuti.

The bicycles are provided in order to create a "green" UGM and save fossil fuel.

Besides the rectorate building, the bicycles are also provided in other areas of the campus including the Geography Faculty, Tourism Study Center, Environment Study Center and Sports Center buildings.

Desta Titi Rahadjana, the project officer of the green bicycle program run by UGM, said that the program was launched in June this year in conjunction with Environment Day. First aimed at reducing pollution, it found another context recently after the country was hit by a fuel crisis. The crisis culminated in the President's call for the general public and public offices to save fuel and electricity. "Using the bicycle can save fuel," said Desta.

Currently, there are 32 green bicycles available while another 130 bicycles are being painted green and will soon be ready for use. Some of the secondhand bicycles were donated, while others were bought by UGM. The bicycles were then repainted and polished.

Both the cost of the bicycle and the repainting cost the UGM Rp 187,000 per bicycle on average, said Desta.

She said that the bicycles could only be used in the vast UGM complex. "UGM students, lecturers or employees come to UGM by car or motorcycle, but when traveling within UGM, please use the bicycles to save the fuel and reduce pollution," said Desta.

After the program was launched in June, most of the bicycles are being used daily, said Desta.