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South Jakarta Mayor Syahrul Effendi kicked off the inaugural Indonesian Bicycle Congress on Friday at the Sultan Hotel as part of his campaign to create “bike-friendly cities.”

An avid cyclist known for his many bike-friendly policies, Syahrul invited more than 2,000 members of various cycling communities throughout the country as well as Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo and Home Affairs Minister Gamawan Fauzi to participate in the congress.

He also got state insurance provider Jasa Raharja to offer special packages for cyclists.

The event, which runs through Sunday, kicked off with the launch of the Indonesian Bicycle Committee.

“Cycling is healthy and environmentally friendly, and I’m proud to see so many bicycle communities springing up across the nation,” Syahrul said. “I also call on Minister Gamawan to declare July 16 National Biking Day.”

Gamawan said: “Together we are stronger. Through the committee we can start advocating for bicycle-friendly policies and infrastructure, and also campaign to increase public interest in cycling.”

Fahmi Saimima, public relations officer for the Batavia Bicycle Community, which champions antique bikes, said that while bike lanes were mandated by law, none had ever been built.

“We’re still being overlooked. Even at this event the hotel security banned some participants who came by bike, and told them that the hotel didn’t have a bicycle parking bay,” he told the Jakarta Globe.

“This is a bicycle congress yet no bikes were allowed,” he laughed, adding that the hotel later apologized and let the cyclists in.

Jayus Agustiono, chairman of the West Kalimantan Antique Bike Community, said he was excited about the congress and hoped it would lead to meaningful efforts to improve cyclists’ rights, safety and comfort.

Jaya Suprana, chairman of the Indonesian Museum of Records, was also on hand to hand over an award for the most cycling communities gathered together at a single event.

“There’s another record we plan to break this weekend, which is for the most bikes in a carnival,” said Syamsuddin Noor, head of public relations for the Indonesian Bicycle Committee. “We plan to have 50,000 cyclists.”

The congress will also feature events for the public, such as a concourse of vintage and custom bicycles in the Senayan pool parking lot on Saturday.

On Sunday, the Indonesian Bike Carnival kicks off at 7 a.m. in the east parking area of Bung Karno Stadium and ends in the Old Town area of North Jakarta.