Bicycle Manufacturers Association calls for Indonesian government’s support for bicycle
Jakarta, July 8, 2020/Indonesia Media -Apsindo, the Indonesian Bicycle Manufacturers Association responded to the rumors and false news, hoax circulated prior to the plan of tax collection on bicycle, saying that would create an unrest of bicycle communities. The secretary general of Apsindo, Eko Wibowo still believes that Indonesian government will support bicycle as an alternative means of transportation. Therefore, he was a bit shocked after reading an article from news website about the government’s plan of tax collection on bicycle. “The false news, saying the plan of collecting tax on bicycle was absurd. The plan was made based on what?, since bicycle is another part of family recreation. The false news has feared bicycle communities, manufacturer, business too. The side effect (of false news) created a drawback of national economy,”
He reiterated that cycling fever hits as Jakarta residents avoid congestion, public transport, and the government’s good willing would be helpful supporting the people’s interest in cycling. Especially in the new normal era, more and more people choose to ride bicycle for some reasons. People are aware of the need to stay healthy, or looking for sport activities which are full of fun. “The support from Jakarta government and central government, by establishing a representative parking are especially an aspect of safety. Besides, cycling infrastructure especially the lane. It should be separated from motorists. But if we see the situation, there is not any separator between bikers and motorists. And there is a hole of water pipe, it would be dangerous and cause an accident,” said Eko Wibowo.
the COVID-19 pandemic was another reason for people choosing bicycle, especially when keeping physical distancing to prevent from spreading. People also commute individually without being in close proximity with someone else. Cycling here in Jakarta and another big cities throughout Indonesia is relevant with the global campaign, renewable power. Support for renewable energy has become a constant in global politics and is getting stronger. Cycling is also a substitute for oil (whereas wind and solar displace natural gas and coal). “Therefore I am sure that government subsidies and willingness to establish bike infrastructure is always relevant with the global concern nowadays,” said Eko Wibowo. (sl/IM)
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