The rainy season is back, and while we are happy the hot dry weather has stopped, we’re not overjoyed to be welcoming back rainy season problems like flooding and increased traffic.
Besider floodwaters, another big cause of traffic during rainy season is motorcyclists who take shelter under Jakarta’s bridges and flyovers and inside of its underpasses. With the number of motorcyclists on Jakarta’s roads, those seeking shelter can quickly take over a lane or more of the precious dry spaces, blocking traffic and making the macet even worse.
This year, the Jakarta Traffic Police seem intent on ending the practice.
“When it is raining, we warn people not to take shelter under the flyover bridges because it can interfere with the security, safety, and orderliness of traffic,” said Jakarta Traffic Police Assistant Commissioner Budiyanto to Kompas on Monday.
He said officers would repeat the warning to any bikers they found interfering with traffic while taking shelter from the rain, and if the drivers ignored their warning, they could be ticketed and have to pay a fine of Rp 250,000.
Budiyanto also said that motorcyclists should bring raincoats and other supplies so they are ready in case of bad weather.
Having often gotten stuck in macet created by motorcyclists taking shelter from the rain, we can certainly understand the police’s position. But having also ridden a motorcycle in heavy rain, it seems unfair to force bikers to keep moving in such conditions, especially when those conditions are particularly dangerous to those riding a two-wheeler.
