Cyclist canvasses safety on World Bicycle Day

As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to celebrate the Bicycle Day yesterday, a Nigerian cyclist has called on the state and Federal Government to assist create easy pathways across the country that would enable bicycle riders move around without impediments.

The riders, who came out in large numbers to raise awareness on cycling across Lagos yesterday, also implored other Nigerians to be part of the cycling team, saying that the sport has full capacity to improve the physically and mental well-being of an individual.

Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer/President, FT Cycle Care, Femi Thomas, whose organisation with the support of the Nigeria Cycling Federation put together the one day programme, stated that the cycling awareness has lived up to expectation owing to the excitement and turn out of riders early in the morning.

“I am happy that Nigeria cyclists successfully joined the rest of the world to celebrate the World Bicycle Day. The event was remarkable because riders have the chance to have their way on the road without traffic or hitches. Cyclist came out to make new friends and catch fun. I thank Lagos State, the Federal Road Safety Corps and NCF for supporting the event.

“Apart from competing in sports, cycling also assists to improve the mental wellbeing of an individual. I also plead with the various government agencies to create easy pathways for cyclist, because if more bicycles are on our roads it would help reduce traffic. Cyclists need safer routes to ride,” he said.

Over 1,000 riders who participated at the road show, took off from the National Stadium, Surulere, riding through Ikorodu Road – Maryland – Mobolaji Bank Anthony way – Ikeja roundabout – Alausa – Governor Office – Kudirat Abiola Way – Opebi Bridge – Custom Road – General Hospital – High Court GRA – Maryland -UN office – Awolowo Road – Onikan – Broad Street – Apongbon – Eko Bridge before terminating at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

The United Nations declared June 3 as International World Bicycle Day, after adopting a resolution on April 12, 2018, during the 72nd Regular Session of the UN General Assembly, in New York City.

The declaration encourages member states to devote particular attention to the bicycle in cross-cutting development strategies and to include the bicycle in international, regional, national and sub-national development policies and programmes.