Lawmaker Calls for Retention of Jakarta`s Bicycle Lanes

Muhammad Taufik Zoelkifli (MTZ), a member of Commission B of the Jakarta City Council (DPRD), has urged the Jakarta Provincial Government to retain the bicycle lanes, despite proposals to remove them on the grounds that they are ineffective due to frequent use by motorized vehicles, particularly during rush hours.

Should be maintained

According to MTZ, the bicycle lanes is important for supporting an environmentally friendly transportation system while encouraging the public to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

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He explained that bicycle usage in Jakarta saw a temporary increase during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, public interest in cycling declined once the pandemic ended. This situation was further exacerbated by the lack of maintenance on a number of bicycle lanes.

"If it were to be reviewed now, I think it should be maintained," he said, Thursday (8/13).

MTZ considers that bicycles continue to play a vital role in urban transportation systems, as they produce no pollution and offer public health benefits. Furthermore, the use of bicycles aligns with the concept of integrated public transportation.

He cited the example of several developed countries where people use bicycles to reach the nearest bus stop or train station before continuing their journey via public transport.

Therefore, MTZ urges the Jakarta Provincial Government not only to maintain the bicycle lanes but also to reallocate funds for their upkeep and expansion, given that a number of bicycle lane facilities are currently damaged due to budget constraints.

"The budget needs to be revived and increased. Since the project was not completed across all of Jakarta during the tenure of Governor Anies, or in the period following it, the budget must be raised," he emphasized.

MTZ also emphasized the importance of monitoring the use of bicycle lanes. He found that a number of bicycle lanes were actually being used for vehicle parking or street vendor activities.

According to him, the construction of public facilities must be accompanied by adequate oversight to ensure they function as intended. He believes that the previous lack of oversight was partly influenced by budget efficiency policies.

"I encourage for the reactivation of bicycle lanes, which requires proper oversight," he stated.