Momentum of World Bicycle Day 2025: Driving Green Transportation in Major Cities

In Indonesia, the observance of World Bicycle Day on June 3, 2025, featured diverse activities in several major cities. Regional governments, alongside cycling communities, hosted mass cycling events, talkshows, and exhibitions of eco-friendly bicycle technologies as part of a green transportation campaign. This initiative was supported by the United Nations and the World Health Organization (WHO), which praised the bicycle as a healthy and environmentally friendly transportation mode.

Jakarta: City Center Transforms into a Cyclist Hub

From early morning, hundreds of cyclists from various communities gathered around Jakarta’s Old Town. They rode their bikes as a symbol of a healthy lifestyle and a protest against soaring traffic congestion and air pollution. The festival’s main route connected Old Town to the National Monument across five kilometers. The Governor of Jakarta, together with several legislators, officially launched the procession at 8:00 AM, marking the event’s start.

Bandung: Cycling Movement from Bandung to the World

In Bandung, the event dubbed “Cycling Movement from Bandung to the World” kicked off at 6:30 AM, with a route circling the Town Square to Asia Africa Street. Alongside communal cycling, the event featured a talkshow discussing the benefits of eco-friendly transportation and an exhibition displaying electric bicycle innovations developed by local university students. The committee chair emphasized the importance of involving youth to strengthen the cycling community’s solidarity across West Java.

Surabaya: New Bike Lanes Enhance Mobility

Surabaya’s celebration centered around Bungkul Park and Sudirman Street. The Head of Surabaya's Transportation Agency announced the completion of a 3.7-kilometer bike lane connecting university hubs to the Old Town area, facilitating traffic-free commutes for students and workers. The Surabaya Bike Lovers community warmly welcomed the infrastructure improvement as a demonstration of the city government's commitment.

Batam: Accelerating Infrastructure and Children’s Creativity

In Batam, activities concentrated around Nagoya Hill, starting at 7:00 AM. The Acting Head of Batam’s Environmental Agency stated that this momentum would be used to expedite sidewalk widening and bike lane construction, addressing the region’s high industrial air pollution levels. A creative bike modification contest for elementary school students also enlivened the day’s celebrations.

Magelang: Sports and Culture in Harmony

Magelang hosted the “Fun Bike Magelang United” with a 10-kilometer route from the town square to Borobudur Temple. The Head of Tourism explained the event aimed to promote tourist destinations while advocating for cultural heritage preservation. Participants were required to wear traditional Magelang batik attire, reinforcing the synergy between sports and local culture.

Benefits of Cycling According to WHO

WHO recognizes the bicycle as a unique, durable, affordable, and versatile means of transport playing a vital role in poverty alleviation, sustainable development, and social inclusion. A 2024 WHO study revealed regular cycling reduces cardiovascular disease risk by up to 30% and cuts carbon emissions by 0.2 kilograms per kilometer compared to motor vehicles.

Infrastructure Challenges in Some Cities

Despite high enthusiasm, several cities still face bike lane infrastructure issues. In Jakarta, bike paths remain poorly connected, forcing cyclists to share spaces with motor vehicles, increasing accident and pollution risks. Transport activist Fredy Susanto stressed the need for safe and comprehensive cycling networks. Jakarta's provincial government pledged to add international-standard bike lanes by the third quarter of 2025.

In Bandung, although some bike lanes exist on Ahmad Yani and Ir. H. Juanda Streets, the community requests expanded sidewalk facilities to prevent conflicts between pedestrians and cyclists. The West Java Transportation Agency head indicated ongoing studies to designate a two-meter road shoulder as bike lanes, balancing green space preservation and pedestrian comfort.

Transport Policy and Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration

The Minister of Transportation stated that achieving a 10% reduction in domestic transportation emissions by 2025 requires cross-ministerial and regional government synergy. Support from cycling communities, industry associations, and ride-sharing platforms is crucial to accelerate bicycle adoption as a national primary transport mode.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The 2025 World Bicycle Day celebrations in Indonesia were vibrant and safe, with hundreds of participants across all ages enthusiastically joining events often combined with car-free day activities. The bicycle has evolved beyond a mere transportation means—it symbolizes a transformative shift toward more humane, healthy, and sustainable cities.