Bike to Work community revokes Jakarta’s 'Bicycle Friendly City' title

A 'bajaj' (three-wheeled motorised vehicle) is seen parked on a bicycle lane in Blok M, South Jakarta, on Nov 6, effectively blocking it for cyclists. - The Jakarta Post/ANN

JAKARTA: The Bike to Work (B2W) Indonesia community has revoked the title of "Bicycle Friendly City" from Jakarta, effective Tuesday (Nov 7).

Fahmi Saimima, chairman of B2W Indonesia, explained that the revocation was due to Jakarta's perceived inconsistency in developing facilities for cyclists.

The "Bicycle Friendly City" title was awarded in 2021, with B2W bestowing it on Jakarta due to its commendable urban planning system for cycling and massive construction of bicycle lanes, funded with a budget of Rp 119 billion (US$7.61 million) over three years.

In his official statement from the @b2w_indonesia Instagram account on Tuesday, Fahmi said: “We are revoking the award and declaring that the City of Jakarta has failed to maintain its title as a Bicycle Friendly City."

Fahmi further elaborated that B2W had evaluated this designation by assessing the Jakarta provincial administration’s policies toward cyclists, and it found several steps that contradicted the spirit of B2W in facilitating and ensuring the safety and security of cyclists.

Fahmi explained that the Jakarta provincial government's decision to discontinue funding the construction of bicycle lanes in 2024 was one example of its lack of commitment to cyclists in Jakarta.

Additionally, the removal of pedestrian and bicycle lanes in the Santa area of South Jakarta to manipulate traffic is another illustrative case.

"The reality shows that there have been steps taken that are in direct contrast to the spirit of the award.

Acting Governor Heru Budi Hartono has actually reversed previous policies. [The ‘Bicycle Friendly City’ designation for] Jakarta now appears ironic,” Fahmi said.

"We believe it is not appropriate to maintain the award, as the current conditions are far from what was considered excellent when the award was initially given."

However, Heru has stated that he is open to the possibility of adding bicycle lanes in the capital city in 2024.

“If it is necessary to add more bicycle lanes, we are supportive of it for the benefit of the community," the acting governor said on Friday.

Jakarta Transportation Agency head Syafrin Liputo said that the total length of bicycle lanes currently stood at 303km, exceeding the 2024 target of 298 m.

"Our focus for the future is on caring for and maintaining the existing bicycle lanes to ensure they remain in good condition and that the safety of cyclists is upheld," Syafrin said. - The Jakarta Post/ANN