UGM promotes 'green bicycle'

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.