Stop Cycling On The Road, Anies Baswedan: We Want You To Be Safe

Anies Baswedan asked cyclists not to take to the streets. (Photo: ANTARA)

JAKARTA - DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan asked the public not to exercise in public places during the Implementation of the Emergency Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM). In particular, cycling is currently a habit of the people on weekends.

This prohibition, of course, aims to suppress the transmission of COVID-19. It is undeniable, the addition of positive cases every day is getting crazier.

"Saturday, Sunday, Jakartans usually exercise, please continue to exercise at home, in the complex but don't go out, whether you're cycling, running, or walking. Don't do it on the road, do it at home and in complexes," he said. Anies told reporters, Friday, July 2.

Not only that, Anies in his statement also emphasized that he would impose sanctions on recalcitrant cyclists. Officers on duty will confiscate the bikes of the offenders.

"Including cyclists, we will enforce them, if they violate, they will be transported with their bicycles," said Anies.

Therefore, Anies appealed to the public to stay at home during the implementation of the PPKM Darurut policy. That way, the community in helping to suppress the spread of COVID-19.

"Stay at home, practice at home, we want you to be safe," said Anies.

Similarly, the Metro Jaya Police Chief Inspector General Fadil Imran also said that he would take firm action against errant cyclists during the Emergency PPKM which took place from July 3 to 20, 2021. If found to be stubborn, violators' bikes would be 'caged'

"I remind those who like to ride bicycles that they have stopped riding bicycles, I will cage their bicycles during the Emergency PPKM if they dare to ride bicycles," said Inspector General Fadil.

He emphasized that the police will not indiscriminately take action against anyone who persists in stubbornly cycling on the highway during the Emergency PPKM period. For him, people's lives are more important than facilitating naughty cyclists.

Seizing a bicycle that has committed a violation can be interpreted as saving many people. Because people in public areas can catch COVID-19 and spread it.

"I'm helping his soul, it's better for me to secure the bike than the person who goes wild exposed to COVID-19 or he spreads COVID-19," said Inspector General Fadil.

However, one day the cycling ban was issued during the Emergency PPKM or Saturday, July 3, there were still cyclists roaming the streets. One of them is in the FX Sudirman area.

The police, who were assisted by the Satpol PP, turned back the cyclists. They were also directed through Jalan Pintu Satu Senayan at Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) towards Jalan Asia Afrika.

Dani, one of the cyclists who was asked to turn back, said that he was not aware of any rules that prohibit cycling during Emergency PPKM.

"I don't know, but cycling is good, especially in the sun, it's healthy too," said Dani, who cycled from Blok M, South Jakarta to Monas.

In line with Dani, another cyclist, Fajar also admitted that he did not know that the cycling ban would be enforced from Saturday.

"I think it will happen at midnight," said cyclist Fajar.

Apart from cyclists, a number of residents were also seen exercising around Jalan Sudirman towards GBK.

However, the number is not as crowded as on the previous weekend, before the Emergency PPKM regulation.

"I don't know yet, if running is also prohibited," said Febrianto when met at the pedestrian area near the FX Sudirman building.