World Bicycle Day, Anies Cycles with Ambassadors of Friendly Countries
Reported by Yudha Peta Ogara | Translated by Nugroho Adibrata
In commemoration of World Bicycle Day 2021, the Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan, took the time to collaborate with the Bike to Work community by cycling with ambassadors from friendly countries from Senayan Roundabout to Jakarta City Hall, on Thursday (6/3).
We do not need a special bicycle for cycling or special clothes
Those who cycle together are namely Danish Ambassador to Indonesia, Lars Bo Larsen; Dutch Ambassador to Indonesia, Lambert Grijns; Jakarta Transportation Agency Head, Syafrin Liputo; BPK V Member, Bahrullah Akbar; and Bike to Work Community Chairman, Julius with its members.
The Governor said this activity could encourage the habit of cycling as a means of transportation, moreover it is usually categorized only as a sports tool. He has been doing this since leaving his residence in Lebak Bulus.
Cycling with Anies, State Ambassador Appreciates Bicycle Lanes in Jakarta"We do not need a special bicycle for cycling or special clothes. Just wear our daily clothes and use the bicycle we have for transportation. Just like this morning, I was accompanied by the Dutch ambassador wearing a batik uniform and me too, coincidentally today is Thursday. So basically we want to invite cycling as a habit, not just for sports," he expressed, as quoted by Jakarta PPID's press release.
He also asserted that the bike lanes built in Jakarta were aimed at facilitating residents to be able to ride safely and environmentally friendly. Thus far the current total bike lane was 63 kilometers with an additional 101 kilometers planned this year.
"By the end of this year, we target to have a 170-kilometer long bike lane and then buildings have an obligation to provide bike parking spaces of at least 10 percent of the available parking spaces specifically for bicycles. We also recommend setting up a bathroom. Thus it makes it easier for workers who choose to go to work using the bicycle," he added.
Dutch Ambassador to Indonesia, Lambert Grijns explained, in his country, bicycles were highly preferred as a mode of public transportation for work.
"As many as 25 percent of Dutch people ride bicycles for their daily activities. As Mr. Anies said riding a bicycle is cheap and healthy, so I want to say thank you for today's activity," he closed.
