TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Transportation Ministry handed over 50 bicycle parking facilities to government agencies, schools, houses of worship, and public places. This was also aimed at encouraging the public to switch to bikes for daily activities.

The facilities were symbolically given by Coordinating Ministry for Maritime and Investment to Jakarta Transportation Agency, Pasar Minggu Station management, and elementary school SDN Batu Ampar II in East Jakarta via a virtual conference, which was coincided with the 2020 National Bicycle Week in Jakarta, Friday, September 25, 2020.

“This program will be continued in several provinces. We will encourage and motivate local governments to set up bike parking facilities in public spaces,” said Land Transport Director-General, Budi Setiyadi.

According to Budi, the program was part of the National Road Safety Week that had been held regularly since 2007. “This is dedicated as one of the campaigns to increase the public awareness about road safety,” he added.

Budi said the agenda had become a world movement in line with the international concerns about the safety on the road.

Moreover, people recently showed a high interest in cycling, which was evident from the increase in bicycle use by up to 1,000 percent.

“Given the high public interest in using bicycles as an alternative transportation mode and a means of exercising during the pandemic, the Transportation Ministry has prepared safety regulations for cyclists amid the growing trend of cycling in Indonesia,” Budi said.

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ANTARA