After being officially launched last May, the Beam Rover has become the go-to electric bicycle for students to access nearby places. Hundreds of electric bicycles are available at various points throughout the campus area, making the Beam Rover the main choice when a student wants to ride safely and comfortably. However, it is not uncommon to find Beam Rover drivers who act carelessly on the road which have the potential to injure themselves and other drivers.
Departing from these problems and to achieve a campus environment with zero accidents , PT. Beam Mobility Indonesia held a Beam Safety Academy which was held at the UI Library Circle Park (26/7). At the opening of the event, the Work Safety Management Coordinator of the UPT Health, Work Safety and Environment (K3L) Universitas Indonesia (UI), Yuni Kusminanti, S.K.M., M.Si. said that Beam had had a good impact on campus environmental conditions. “Beam’s presence within UI helps the university achieve one of its goals, namely becoming a green campus. To stay safe when driving, you must pay attention to safety aspects. When driving, you must be fit and pay attention to other road users,” said Yuni.
Beam Safety Academy presented two main speakers, namely Ken, Beam Operation Specialist and Indra, OlahGaya bicycle community activist, to provide material about electric bicycle safety as well as rider safety. Safety riding is a term that is often used when explaining how to ride properly. Indra explained that the meaning of safety riding is when the driver pays attention to two aspects, namely the aspect that comes from oneself and the aspect of the vehicle that will be driven. When you want to drive, make sure your body is healthy to ensure you can drive optimally. It doesn’t just stop at the condition of the rider’s body, the driver must also check the condition of the mode of transportation that will be used. “There must be preparation from the physical aspect of the rider and the bicycle must be ready. Tire pressure is one thing to pay attention to. When riding a bicycle, you must also be equipped with safety equipment, such as a helmet, and don’t forget to bring a toolkit containing equipment for emergencies on the road,” said Indra.
As a bicycle community activist, Indra confirmed that the Beam electric bicycle unit is quite safe. The electric bicycle units scattered throughout the UI area are also maintained every day to ensure their safety. “In my opinion, it’s adequate. In terms of safety, each unit is equipped with a helmet and a shelf which is useful for storage to place the rider’s belongings. The rear light is also there to provide signals to other drivers. In terms of security, Beam is already good,” said Indra. When driving on the road, etiquette must be maintained to keep the security and safety of yourself and other drivers. Basic etiquette, such as using the special bicycle lane that has been provided and giving a signal if you want to turn or make a U-turn, must be applied wherever the rider rides to avoid unwanted incidents.
One question came from one of the Beam Safety Academy socialization participants which also caught the attention of most of the participants, namely regarding underage electric bicycle riders. Ken stated that there is an age limit for accessing the Beam application, namely 17 years and over. Beam recommends that only those aged 17 years and over can ride Beam, but if the Beam driver is underage, Ken reiterates that adult supervision is required. However, the large number of underage children who use smartphones without strict parental supervision has resulted in underage children being able to access Beam. Ken and Indra advised all students and the general public who ride electric bicycles to continue to maintain road manners and pay attention to the safety of themselves and other riders.
Use driver safety equipment properly. Ken emphasized that the Beam helmet already has anti-odor technology, so there is no longer any reason to be reluctant to use a helmet for fear of an unpleasant smell. Position yourself as a cyclist, not as a motorcyclist. Therefore, respect other drivers by riding in lanes that have been specially provided for bicycles. Drive wisely, follow applicable regulations for mutual safety. “Have a safe ride. Respect drivers on the road and pedestrians, that’s absolute,” said Ken.
