Palangka Raya’s New Bike Lanes Welcome Positive Response

RRI.CO.ID, Palangka Raya - Palangka Raya’s new bike lanes are drawing praise from cyclists and officials, who say the infrastructure improves safety, promotes healthy mobility, and signals the city’s commitment to being more bike-friendly.

The Central Kalimantan Provincial Administration, through the Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency (DPUPR), has added dedicated cycling lanes on several streets in Palangka Raya as part of a wider road reconfiguration. The policy has earned positive responses, particularly from cyclists who say the lanes make commuting and exercise safer and more convenient.

“We cyclists highly appreciate the presence of bike lanes in the heart of Central Kalimantan’s capital, Palangka Raya, which the provincial administration has provided,” said Chairperson of Hakumpul Seli Palangka Raya (Hasi), Noriko Yunanto, a folding-bike community established on October 23, 2021.

He said the lanes reflect a city that welcomes cyclists and can encourage more residents to choose bicycles for daily mobility, which boosts exercise, reduces reliance on motor vehicles, and benefits the environment.

“Not every city has bike lanes as mandated in Law Number 22/2009 on Traffic and Road Transportation and Ministerial Regulation 59/2020 on Cyclist Safety on the Road. So we really appreciate this,” added Noriko, as quoted by Antara on Friday, June 19, 2026.

Individual cyclists echoed that praise. “Our hope as cyclists is that these lanes will benefit not only people who ride for sport but also children who cycle to school,” said Didi Faturahman, noting the importance of protecting students on their way to class.

He urged that bike lanes be extended to busy school corridors, citing Jalan Achmad Yani near middle and high schools as a priority.

Governor Agustiar Sabran said the lanes were installed to provide comfort for residents and to beautify the city. “This is an effort to provide comfort for residents, especially those who enjoy exercising like cyclists.”

The project briefly sparked debate after some residents criticized the paint quality used for lane markings. Governor Agustiar responded by instructing the relevant agencies to make corrections.

Work has continued, and repainting and upgrades are visible in several areas, including the Bundaran Besar roundabout. Dedicated lanes now appear along Jalan Imam Bonjol, Jalan Panjaitan, and Jalan Brigjen Katamso in Palangka Raya. ***