TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Transportation Ministry was preparing rules for bicycle users or cyclists on highways. There will be cycling bans and regulations, starting from how to give a lift to hand signals while riding.

“The number of bikers increased, so rules to ensure traffic safety and order are necessary,” said Land Transportation Director-General Budi Setiyadi in an online discussion with the Indonesian Transportation Society and cyclists on Tuesday, July 7.

According to Budi, traffic rules for cyclists will be completed in July so that it could take effect starting August.

He outlined five cycling restrictions that were being drafted in the ministry as follows:

1. Cyclists are not allowed to give a lift if their bikes do not have a passenger seat.
2. Cyclists are barred from using mobile phones while riding.
3. Installing an umbrella on a bike is only allowed for traders.
4. It is forbidden for cyclists to ride side by side with other vehicles, such as cars and motorcycles.
5. Bicycles are prohibited to run in line with more than two bikes.

Budi added that cyclists would be permitted to use sidewalks or the leftmost side of the road if there is no bike lane. However, they must pay attention to the safety of pedestrians.

Additionally, the Transportation Ministry was regulating four cycling hand signals to use for turning right, turning left, stopping, or letting other vehicles precede. “Cyclists must also obey the traffic rules,” Budi underlined.

Read: Upcoming Bicycle Law to be Applicable Nationwide, Says Government

WIRA UTAMA