In an effort to promote a cleaner environment and healthier lifestyle, the Federal Ministry of Transportation is encouraging Nigerians to consider using bicycles as an alternative means of commuting. This initiative was emphasized by Musa Ibrahim, the Director of Road Transport and Mass Transit Administration, during a stakeholders sensitisation meeting in Abuja. The goal is to highlight the importance of cycling in Nigeria, which will likely result in a decrease in road crash incidents.
This sensitisation meeting aligns with the annual World Bicycle Day on June 3, as designated by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution. The World Bicycle Day acknowledges the bicycle’s unique, enduring, and versatile characteristics as a simple, affordable, reliable, clean, and environmentally friendly mode of transport that fosters environmental stewardship and health. The theme for the United Nations’ 2023 World Bicycle Day is ‘Riding Together for a Sustainable Future.’
According to Ibrahim, proponents of cycling have also advocated for its use in eradicating poverty, promoting sustainable development, enhancing education, including physical education for children and young people, and improving health, disease prevention, and social inclusion.
Moreover, a supporter of Non-Motorised Transportation (NMT), Emmanuel John, the Chief Executive Officer of Ochenuell Mobility, presented ‘Power of Cycling,’ where he argued that the benefits of cycling go beyond addressing climate change through reduced carbon footprints. He highlighted a study conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries, which revealed that most African countries lose 3% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) annually due to traffic congestion.
John proposed the development of an NMT travel culture in Nigeria through the adoption of Green Corridors as a solution to some of the identified issues. He emphasized that many challenges associated with increased usage of motorized transportation could be significantly reduced if the Federal Government supports and adopts the National Stakeholders Forum on Bicycle Transportation.
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