Stakeholders at the 10th African Sustainable Urban Mobility Course in Abuja have called for the creation of lanes for cyclists and pedestrians in order to ensure safer roads.
In a keynote address at the event, permanent secretary of the ministry of transportation, Pius Oteh said the rapid population growth urbanization with limited provision of quality transport system to meet the growing need makes it imperative to adopting more sustainable safe and efficient modes of transport which walking and cycling symbolizes.
He further lamented that the roads and the cities are planned with so much deficiencies and hence, the need to introduce lanes for cyclists in order to encourage the use of bicycles.
“Our city’s transport landscape are largely dominated by transport informalities with attendant externalities that impact on the health, socio-economic and environmental wellbeing of residents. Today we come together with a shared purpose to create a future where our roads are safer for pedestrians and cyclists, ensuring their wellbeing and promoting a sense of harmony in our
“The Federal Ministry of Transportation which is the Lead government agencies on this subject has been at the fore front of promoting sustainable transport and working diligently toward varying reforms in the industry.”
The project, ‘Safer Roads for Pedestrians and Cyclist in Nigeria’, therefore is an added effort to create platforms for entrenchment of cycling and walking in our cities,” the permanent secretary, who was represented by a deputy director, Mrs Cynthia Bidemi, stated.
Also, the chief executive officer, Ochenuell Mobility and Project Manager, Engr. Emmanuel John urged the government to consider other road users while planning for raid construction.
“Over the years in Nigeria, walking and cycling has been see as mobility for rural areas, a mode for the poor. This may have been responsible for why there is lack of political will, funding and investments to make cycling a mobility choice in Nigerian cities, consequent upon the lack of attention, walking and cycling are perceived as unsafe and therefore not predominantly in use. On the contrary, walking and cycling has been identified as reliable alternative, noiseless, environmentally suitable, health improving, affordable and socially inclusive mode of transport fit for all societies.
“Also, there is the need to protect the environment, maintain public health and contribute to national development in a sustainable manner,’’ he said.
