FG calls on Nigerians to consider bicycles for transportation

The Federal Ministry of Transportation is calling on Nigerians to think about using bicycles as an alternative mode of transportation as part of efforts to promote a healthier lifestyle and cleaner environment.

The goal is to increase and heighten the relevance of cycling in Nigeria as it will clearly result in a decline in road crash incidences, said Musa Ibrahim, Director, Road Transport and Mass Transit Administration, who made this statement during the one-day stakeholders sensitization conference held in Abuja.

Ibrahim pointed out that a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) decision designates June 3 as World Bicycle Day, which is in line with the stakeholders’ sensitization session.

According to the Director, the United Nations 2023 World Bicycle Day theme is “Riding Together for a Sustainable Future” because it recognises “The uniqueness, longevity and versatility of the bicycle as a simple, affordable, reliable, clean and environmentally fit sustainable means of transport, fostering environmental stewardship and health.”

The Director went on to say that advocates have pushed for the use of bicycles to fight poverty, advance sustainable development, improve education for kids and teenagers, including physical education, and to promote health, prevent disease, and promote social inclusion.

In addition, a supporter of non-motorized transportation (NMT), Chief Executive Officer of Ochenuell Mobility, Emmanuel John, argued the importance of cycling in Nigeria goes beyond efforts to combat climate change by reducing carbon footprints in his presentation titled “Power of Cycling.”

John also brought up a report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) that showed that most African countries lose 3% of their yearly Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to traffic congestion.

He suggested that establishing a national NMT travel culture through the use of Green Corridors is a solution to some of the noted problems.

He emphasised that the Federal Government’s support and adoption of the National Stakeholders Forum on Bicycle Transportation will greatly decrease the majority of the difficulties associated with greater use of motorised transportation.