BALI, Indonesia, Dec. 3 (Xinhua) -- Responding to
heavy traffic with increased carbon emissions during the UN climate change
conference, which is opened Monday here, organizer of the conference in
Indonesia's resort island of Bali has provided at least 200 bicycles and 120
shuttle buses as transport for delegates.
Roads within the Nusa Dua tourist enclave conference
venue has also been closed to traffic to reduce traffic congestion and emissions
loads.
"Each bus can hold 40 to 50 people. The shuttle bus
system is estimated to transport 3,500 people per hour," Agus Purnomo, the
chairman of the organizing committee, said in an interview with local press.
The buses continuously circle three drop off zones at
the complex during the meeting. Drop off Zone 1 is at the entrance gates of the
Nusa Dua tourist enclave, home for the climate change meeting. From the Nusa Dua
gates attendees can either take a push bike, walk or bus to meetings.
While the tourist enclave has excellent pedestrian
facilities, distances between conference venues under Nusa Dua's scorching heat
make for hard walking conditions, but ideal for push biking from point to point.
"In addition to the buses, we will provide at least
200 push bikes. Initially, we planned to have 700 bikes, but some partners
canceled delivery. At this stage we're certain 200 bikes will be delivered," the
Jakarta Post daily quoted Agus as saying earlier.
Push bikes are available on loan to all attendees of
the climate change meeting who hold a 13th COP badge. Bikes will be available at
the three parking specific parking zones designated by the organizing committee.
"The service apply a 'first come first' principle,"
Agus said.
Nusa Dua is a resort beach located south of Denpasar,
capital of Bali province. Public transportation is limited except for taxis.
Conference participants from official hotels in Sanur, Jimbaran, Benoa and Kuta
will be provided with shuttle buses from their hotels to the Nusa Dua conference
site.
An estimated 15,000 people are expected to take part
in the climate conference. Most of the activities are concentrated within the
Nusa Dua enclave.