The National Police Chief Wants Permanent Bike Paths To Be Dismantled, This Is The Response Of The Deputy Governor Of DKI

Jakarta Deputy Governor Ahmad Riza Patria (Photo: Diah Ayu Wardani/VOI)

JAKARTA - Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta Ahmad Riza Patria opened his voice on the desire of the National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo to dismantle the permanent bicycle lane on Jalan Sudirman-Thamrin.

Riza did not confirm or deny. Basically, Riza admitted that the DKI Provincial Government wants to provide the best facilities for all parties, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorized vehicle users, and public transportation.

"We will provide the best service. The policies taken will definitely refer to the interests of the wider community," said Riza at the DKI DPRD Building, Central Jakarta, Wednesday, June 16.

He said the creation of a special protected cyclist lane is still in the process of being tested. Likewise, the provision of special road bike lanes on the Nontol Flyover (JLNT) Kampung Melayu-Tanah ABang and Sudirman-Thamrin.

"Regarding bicycle lanes, everything is still in the process of testing, reviewing. The Governor has not yet issued a decision. Of course the decision taken will listen to input from all parties, including input from the National Police Chief," he said.

As is known, Deputy Chairman of Commission III of the DPR RI Ahmad Sahroni asked the National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit to review the permanent bicycle lane on Jalan Jenderal Sudirman-MH Thamrin that was created by the Governor of DKI Jakarta, Anies Baswedan.

"Please Mr. Chief of Police to evaluate the permanent bicycle path that already exists in Sudirman-Thamrin," said Sahroni, during a working meeting of Commission III of the DPR RI with the National Police at the Parliament Building, Senayan, Wednesday, June 16.

In fact, Sahroni suggested that the permanent bicycle lane with a program cost of Rp30 billion be dismantled. Because, apart from being prone to accidents, the permanent lane makes it difficult for other vehicles if the traffic is heavy.

"Please, the National Police Chief and his staff, especially the Korlantas here to address the permanent route, will be reviewed. If necessary, it will be dismantled and all road actors can use the road," he said.

Responding to this, National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo agreed with the proposal from Commission III of the DPR RI which asked for permanent bicycle lanes to be dismantled.

"In principle, related to bicycle lanes, we will continue to look for the right formula. We agree that the permanent (lane) problem should be dismantled," said Sigit.

Currently, Sigit admitted that the police are still looking for the right formulation to be a solution for cyclists and other road users, so as not to raise issues of discrimination.

In the future, the police will coordinate with the DKI Provincial Government to make comparative studies to neighboring countries to see how the arrangements regarding bicycle routes are used, whether bicycles are used for work or exercise.