The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has recommended Nigerians to think about utilizing bicycles as a substitute mode of transportation in order to protect themselves from the detrimental economic impact of the increase in fuel costs.
Following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to halt gasoline subsidy payments, petrol prices increased by more than 300% last week, rising from 185 to more than 500 in all areas of the country.
On May 29, 2023, during his inauguration address, the President stated that the federal government’s declining finances made it unsustainable for it to continue funding subsidies.
Concerns about how the policy may affect food prices, transportation costs, and the purchasing power of the Nigerian people have been raised in light of this development.
Adekanye stated that it is now more prudent for the general people to utilize bicycles for daily transportation during the celebration of the 2023 World Bicycle Day in Ibadan on Saturday, June 3, 2023.
When describing the advantages, the FRSC representative added that as more Nigerians use bicycles for transportation, carbon emissions from vehicles into the atmosphere will also be significantly decreased.
“Use of bicycle is economically cheap because the cost of a bicycle is not as expensive as using a car or motorcycle,” he said.
Stressing the health benefits, the sector commander noted that cycling will not only improve physical strength but also help to reduce body fat “and keep the heart healthy.”
“Cycling may help prevent and manage medical conditions; helps in improving mental health and reduces stress, among other benefits,” Adekanye added.
Similar to this, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) announced that steps will be conducted to create bicycle lanes throughout the Abuja city.
This was revealed by Muhammad Sule, the Director of Information and Communication for the FCT, in a statement from Olusade Adesola, the Permanent Secretary of the FCT.
Adesola was reported as saying that bicycle tracks were already included in the master plan of Abuja city and that “We need to develop them” in the statement released in Abuja on Sunday, June 4, 2023.
”This move will deepen the campaign to reduce the effect of climate change, emissions will be reduced if cycling is encouraged.”
The permanent secretary described cycling as an enjoyable and physically beneficial sport which should be encouraged and promoted.
”As a people, we need to imbibe the culture of riding bicycles, both as a sport, exercise and means of transportation.
”The benefits of cycling are enormous. It can improve heart health and strengthen the limbs,” he said.
