(11/20/2010)
The government of Bali's capital of Denpasar is busily adding 25 kilometers of bicycle paths.
The head of Denpasar's transportation department, I Gede Astika, confirmed the new bike paths to Kompas.com, saying: "We are making two main paths. One around Jalan Merdeka and the other at Jalan Danau Bratan in the tourist area of Sanur."
The additional bike paths in Sanur were selected by Denpasar official due to the popularity of bicycle transportation by tourist frequenting that area. "We see many foreign and domestic tourists who like to cycle around Sanur. In order to make cycling more enjoyable we are making more bike paths," explained Astika.
Astika was unprepared to reveal how much money the Denpasar municipal government in constructing the new bike paths is spending. Said Astika: "The funds allocated match our (the municipal government's) capabilities. The creation of new bike paths will be done in phases as the funds become available."
The new 25 kilometers of bike path will supplement the existing network of paths covering 30 kilometers. The original 30 kilometers cost Rp. 130 million (US$14,100) to develop and stretch from Renon, Jalan Sudirman and Jalan Kamboja in Denpasar.
The Bali bike paths are simple demarcations of lanes on the edge of existing roads that, in the absence of bicyclists, are often used by motorcyclists.
Government official point to the new bike paths as one facet of Denpasar's overall goal to create a green city.
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