The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has advised Nigerians to embrace bicycle as a means of transportation.
The FRSC said the use of bicycle would help reduce the Nigerians’ suffering since it does not emit smoke that affects the environment unlike vehicles.
The Kwara State sector commander of FRSC, Fredrick Ogidan, stated this at an event commemorating the 2023 United Nations World Bicycle Day held in Ilorin, the state capital on Saturday.
This year’s event was themed “Celebrating bicycle in creating more sustainable, healthy and inclusive societies”.
Speaking at the event, Ogidan, identified the benefits of cycling to health and the environment as increase in physical activity, reduction in non-communicable diseases such as cancer and diabetes and decrease in air and noise pollution.
He advised the Kwara State government to incorporate bicycle tracks in future road construction to ensure the safety of cyclists.
The FRSC sector commander enjoined bicycle riders to always use helmets whenever they are riding and should install reflectors on the front and rear of their bicycles.
“Cycling is a simple, affordable, reliable, clean and environmentally fit sustainable means of transport, fostering environmental stewardship and health”, he said.
Ogidan also encouraged the use of the bicycle as a means of eradicating poverty; furthering sustainable development; strengthening education, including physical education, for children and young people; promoting health; preventing disease; and facilitating social inclusion and a culture of peace.