The Federal Ministry of Transportation has encouraged Nigerians to explore bicycles as an alternative mode of transportation as part of its efforts to promote a cleaner environment and a better lifestyle.
Musa Ibrahim, Director of Road Transport and Mass Transit Administration, revealed this at a one-day stakeholders’ sensitisation conference in Abuja, saying the goal is to enhance and heighten the importance of cycling in Nigeria, which will lead to a reduction in road crash instances.
Ibrahim highlighted that the stakeholders’ sensitization conference coincides with World Bicycle Day, which is observed yearly on June 3 by a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
According to the Director, World Bicycle Day celebrates “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.” As a result, the United Nations 2023 World Bicycle Day theme is ‘Riding Together for a Sustainable Future’.
Furthermore, the Director stated that proponents have encouraged the use of bicycles as a means of eradicating poverty, advancing sustainable development, strengthening education, including physical education, for children and young people, promoting health, preventing disease, and facilitating social inclusion.
Furthermore, a proponent of Non-Motorised Transportation, NMT, the Chief Executive Officer of Ochenuell Mobility, Emmanuel John, argued in his presentation titled ‘Power of Cycling’ that the cycling initiative extends beyond efforts to address climate change through carbon footprint reduction.
In addition, John brought to light that the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, OECD, countries in research, among others, stated that most African countries lose 3% of their GDP to traffic congestion each year.
He stated that establishing an NMT travel culture in the country through the implementation of Green Corridors is a solution to some of the mentioned problems.
He stated that if the Federal Government supports and implements the National Stakeholders Forum on Bicycle Transportation, most of the issues associated with greater use of motorized transportation will be greatly alleviated.
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