Cyclists Are Prohibited From Crossing The Odd-even Areas Of Jakarta, Bike To Work Objected

JAKARTA - The DKI Provincial Government and the Metro Jaya Polda Dirlantas prohibit cyclists from crossing in odd-even areas of Jakarta, namely Jalan MH Thamrin, Jalan Jenderal Sudirman, and Jalan HR Rasuna Said.

Chairman of Bike to Work (B2W) Fahmi Saimima admitted that his party objected to the regulation. Because, according to him, there are benefits to using bicycles for people who cross odd-even areas, namely reducing pollution and helping improve health.

"The bicycle is very profitable because it is good in terms of health and reduces operational costs. It doesn't feel right if bicycles are not allowed to cross the main route," said Fahmi in his statement, Monday, August 30.

Fahmi considers that the ban has indeed brought inconvenience to cyclists who will go to offices along the main streets of the capital city.

In fact, when the ban was implemented, there were often debates between cyclists and officers in the field. In these debates, officers often argued that they were "only carrying out their duties and orders from the leadership".

According to Fahmi, the apparatus should have been a bit more flexible with the field conditions. If the ban is carried out for the reason of avoiding crowds, Fahmi views that cyclists who often cycle to the office are allowed to pass.

"In fact, it can be seen from the appearance of the riders, whether they want to exercise in the area or are they going to the place of activity. If you want to ban it, just do it to all corners of the city. It will be seen which ones are really in groups and want to go to work," he explained.

Previously, Dirlantas Polda Metro Jaya Kombes Sambodo Purnomo Yogo confirmed that his party had not allowed cyclists to pass at odd-even points. The reason, to prevent crowds.

"For cyclists it is still not allowed why because the cyclists are feared to cause a crowd," said Sambodo.

Although currently Jakarta has entered PPKM level 3, continued Sambodo, it does not mean that people can roam freely. Because the potential for an increase in the positive number of COVID-19 is still there.

"Indeed, we have been able to get through the second wave of COVID-19 in Jakarta quite well, but we must not be careless, we still have to be vigilant," said Sambodo.