Sepeda Berbagi Offers Free Bike Rentals For Jakartans To Commute To Work On Two Wheels

Sepeda Berbagi offers free bike rentals along Jalan Sudirman

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If there’s any silver lining to be seen during this COVID-19 pandemic, it’s that it has pushed people to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Case in point – more and more Jakartans have turned to bicycles as their method of transportation.

Not everyone, however, has been able to join in the fun as getting a bicycle can be pricey for some. Luckily, Sepeda Berbagi is now here to fill that gap as they provide free bike rentals for commuters around Jalan Sudirman.

Read more!

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All-day bike rentals around Jakarta’s CBD

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Rental spot at MRT Dukuh Atas station
Image credit: @saturoynababan

To help commuters avoid the additional risk of virus exposure in public transport, Sepeda Berbagi has bicycle rental spots next to several MRT stations. As of today, bikes are available at Blok M, Setiabudi, Dukuh Atas, and Bundaran HI stations and at the office of Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) in Menteng.

Workers whose offices aren’t within walking distance of their bus or train station where they disembark can simply hop on a bike instead of booking an online taxi ride, reducing congestion and pollution.

As the service is mainly directed at workers around the area, bikes are only available to rent from Monday to Friday. Service begins at 7AM each day and bikes must be returned by 7PM on the same day in any of the rental spots.

Barcode attached to the bike
Image credit: MRT Jakarta

Interested users simply have to scan the barcode attached to the bike and follow the instructions provided. Do note that in line with health protocols, helmets aren’t provided along with the bike, so you might want to bring your own.

Officially, the bike-sharing program is still on trial so it’s only available in limited areas and on a small scale so far. Rules are also subject to change as the program moves forward.

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Initiative started by ITDP and Bike to Work Indonesia (B2W)

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Cooperation between ITDP, B2W Indonesia, and MRT Jakarta
Image credit: MRT Jakarta

Spearheaded by the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) and B2W Indonesia, Sepeda Berbagi is a non-profit initiative aiming to promote cycling among commuters in the area. While still in its infancy, the program has already received official support from MRT Jakarta.

Bike lane in Jalan Sudirman
Image credit: @kreshna

Still, as a non-profit initiative, Sepeda Berbagi is going to need some help. They’re now accepting donations for bikes and volunteers to help maintain them. If, like us, you’re a fan of what they’re trying to do, you can help spread the word about the program.

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Jalan Sudirman now open for cyclists

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While the hectic streets of Jakarta used to be challenging for cyclists except on car-free days, things are starting to look up. At the beginning of the PSBB transition period in June, the city has set up a pop-up bike lane in Jalan Sudirman and M. H. Thamrin during rush hours.

Now with free bike rentals available along the city’s main thoroughfare, there’s never been a better time to explore the city on two wheels.

Further details on the program, rules, and contact info can be found here.

Also read:

• Group calls for phone donations to help struggling students
• Retro drive-in theater opens in Tangerang
• COVID-19 office clusters raise health concerns

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Cover image adapted from @sepedaberbagi and @sepedaberbagi

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