Motorcycle Traffic Restriction?

The DKI Jakarta government’s discourse to limit the total number of motorcycles as well as to restrict the motorcycle traffic, by prohibiting the drivers passing through certain lanes in Jakarta, has created a heated number of polemics with those who are pros and cons.

Those who agree with the discourse point out that motorcycle accidents are increasing because their total amount almost is as many as the city residents. Being undisciplined while riding motorcycles and being too many on the roads during peak hours has caused an ever-increasing traffic jam.

On the contrary, those who are cons say that the motorcycle drivers, who are mostly from low class and credited with triggering the national economic activities will even suffer by being forced to ride on public transportation which is time-consuming and extra-cost spending in buying fares of city transport.

It should be underlined that the motorcycle as a mode of transportation is very effective and efficient from the point of view cost and benefit. It is unimaginable how crowded and dizzy the traffic would be if all of those motorcycle drivers should drive cars like those who are the haves. Not to mention how much the nation will spend more foreign exchange to import cars and additional gasoline consumption.

It is in this context that the decision should be made. We have not to punish those who are economically more efficient, who are sacrificing their comfort and sometimes endangering their lives in the middle of heavy traffic, and last but not least empowering the national economy.

Now, what is the best we have to do facing this dilemma?

Despite the pros and cons, it seems that the local government will launch the first trial to prohibit motorcycle passing through the lane of Blok M-Kota after the Lebaran Day (in less than one month period). The reason is that public transports are available and the presence of motorcycles frequently triggers the traffic jam. The plan, however, will be discussed more with Metropolitan police and city government. We hope that the discussion will not only cover the implementation but also further consideration of go or no-go of those plans.

One of the way-outs that can be suggested is to construct a special lane, mainly in busy roads, for motorcycles to reduce both accidents and traffic jam. If it is difficult and expensive to realize then to alternate time-schedule for motorcycles and cars during the peak hours to enter certain areas, say, for example, 06.00 to 07.00 exclusively for motorcycles, 07.00 to 08.00 for cars, and 17.00 to 18.00 and 18.00 to 19.00 respectively in the evening.

Some observers even have crazy and unrealistic idea pointing out that it is better to suggest people to buy and operate bikes rather than motorbikes because bikes do not consume fuel nor do they cause pollution. But how come that people who mostly from suburbs (Botabek) have to come to Jakarta by bikes?

Saving More Time More Money

Related to the economic attitude, most motor-bikers point out that it is only a matter of being economical to take a motorbike rather than city buses or Transjakarta, especially when they have to go to many places located in the areas where it is difficult for small car, let alone a city bus, to pass through. A motorbike can pass a very small and circuitous road.

In the case there is traffic jam, it is much easier for the motorbike to move forward as compared to the buses, and therefore, will save much worthwhile time.

For those sidewalk traders who are in high mobility, saving much time in every day working is a serious matter, because by doing so they can have more hours to work and gain more money as well.

Logical Consequence

The city government should not restrict the number of motorbikes because the owners are common people from the grass root. The drivers gain and save money from the use of motorcycles as mode of transportation and more importantly provide the trickle-down effects to the national economics. It is quite logical to reduce the total number of cars in Jakarta rather than motorbikes. Besides, the car owners have much more money related to their options to take any kinds of public transports.

The causal factors of traffic jam cannot be attributed to motorbikes because cars even take bigger spaces of all lanes and toll roads in Jakarta. Therefore, any idea of reducing the total amount of motorbikes or prohibiting them to pass the certain lanes in peak hours should be firmly rejected.

The inconvenience using public transportation is another consideration. The route of the public transportation is limited, the users of public transportation have to wait for certain time at certain shelters and pay they should pay extra money if they have to continue their journey to other destinations. When they come to the destination, is has been late to start working or doing business. So why should the city government reduce motorbikes?