The Federal Government has urged Nigerians to consider bicycles as an alternative means of commuting, aiming to promote a cleaner environment and healthier lifestyle for the populace.
During a one-day stakeholders sensitization meeting held in Abuja, the Director of Road Transport and Mass Transit Administration, Musa Ibrahim emphasized the significance of cycling in Nigeria, as it can lead to a reduction in road crash incidents.
Ibrahim noted that the stakeholder’s sensitization meeting aligns with the annual World Bicycle Day, observed on June 3rd following a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution.
According to the Director, the World Bicycle Day recognizes “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” hence the United Nations 2023 World Bicycle Day theme: ‘Riding Together for a Sustainable Future’.
The Director noted that apart from its environmental benefits, cycling in Nigeria is also seen as a means to combat poverty, foster sustainable development, improve education, particularly physical education for children and young people, promote health, prevent diseases, and encourage social inclusion.
Emmanuel John, the Chief Executive Officer of Ochenuell Mobility and a proponent for Non-Motorized Transportation (NMT), highlighted the broader impact of cycling in his presentation titled ‘Power of Cycling.’
He argued that cycling initiatives go beyond addressing climate change by reducing carbon footprints.
HE emphasized that a study conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) revealed that many African countries, including Nigeria, lose 3% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) annually due to traffic congestion.
John proposed developing an NMT travel culture in Nigeria by adopting Green Corridors as a solution to some of the identified challenges.
He pointed out that by supporting and implementing the National Stakeholders Forum on Bicycle Transportation, the Federal Government can significantly mitigate the issues associated with increased motorized transportation usage.
KanyiDaily had reported how a Nigerian man from Plateau State abandoned his family and embarked on a journey to Saudia Arabia using a bicycle.
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