Police Agree to Dismantle Permanent Bike Lane; B2W Responds

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Community of Bike to Work or B2W Indonesia has spoken up about the National Police’s statement regarding the demolition of permanent bike lanes along Jalan Sudirman-Thamrin. The community’s advocacy head Fahmi Saimima said the police could not dismantle the bike lane as the decision is not under the authority of the police.

The decision, Fahmi argued, is in the hands of the Jakarta Provincial Government through Jakarta Transportation Agency. “The police play a role as the enforcer of the rules,” said Fahmi on Thursday, June 17.

According to him, the planned demolition of permanent bicycle lanes has the potential to violate Law No. 22 of 2009 concerning road traffic and transportation. The policy notes about bicycles and the facilities.

However, Fahmi said his side will appreciate any final decision taken by the stakeholders regarding the fate of the special lanes for cyclists.

Previous reports suggested that National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo voiced his agreement on the demolition of permanent bicycle lanes on Jalan Sudirman-Thamrin.

Listyo made the statement during a work meeting with the House of Representatives (DPR) on Wednesday, June 16. However, he ensured that the police will continue to provide space for bike lanes.

Read: Jakarta Deputy Responds to Discussion on Bike Lane Dismantlement

INGE KLARA SAFITRI