Africa
THE Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has called on Nigerians to embrace the use of bicycles as a means of transportation, citing their affordability, health benefits and environmental friendliness.
The Zonal Commanding Officer of FRSC Benin Zone, Assistant Corps Marshal Cyril Matthew, made the call on Wednesday in Awka during his quarterly visit to Anambra Command and in commemoration of the 2026 World Bicycle Day.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the United Nations instituted World Bicycle Day in 2018 to draw attention to the benefits of bicycles as a simple, affordable, reliable, clean and sustainable means of transportation.
The theme of this year’s commemoration is, “Cycling for a Greener Future.”
Matthew said bicycles are cheaper to acquire and maintain than motor vehicles, while also promoting physical fitness and reducing environmental pollution.
According to him, many developed countries have adopted bicycle transportation systems as part of efforts to improve public health and reduce greenhouse gas and carbon emissions.
“The use of bicycles in Nigeria has remained low because many people are not fully aware of their benefits, while road infrastructure in most places does not provide safe lanes for cyclists.
“However, the FRSC has continued to advocate the inclusion of bicycle-friendly infrastructure in road development plans, and government is gradually buying into the idea,” he said.
Matthew said that the commemoration of the World Bicycle Day was aimed at creating awareness of the economic, health and environmental benefits of cycling.
He urged Nigerians to adopt bicycles more frequently, noting that it saves transportation costs and does not emit harmful gases that pollute the environment.
Earlier, the Sector Commander of FRSC in Anambra, Mrs Bridget Asekhauno, said that the command had intensified public enlightenment campaigns in churches, mosques, markets and motor parks to promote road safety consciousness.
Asekhauno said that the corps was also strengthening collaboration with media, transport unions, stakeholders and the state government to enhance road users’ safety.
She, however, expressed concern over the continued use of old government number plates by some former public officials.
According to her, the command has engaged the Secretary to the State Government on the need to withdraw such number plates from unauthorised users.
The event featured an awareness ride by FRSC personnel and cyclists across parts of Awka to promote the use of bicycles for transportation and healthy living. (NAN)
A.I
June 4, 2026
Tags: Assistant Corps Marshal Cyril Matthew FRSC Mrs Bridget Asekhauno