REPORTER: OBY ARINZE
The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, has called on Nigerians to embrace cycling as an affordable, healthy and environmentally friendly means of transportation.
The Zonal Commanding Officer, RS5 Benin Zone, Assistant Corps Marshal Cyril Matthew, made the call in Awka during his quarterly visit to the Anambra State Command and the commemoration of the 2026 World Bicycle Day.
Speaking at the event, Assistant Corps Marshal Matthew said bicycles were cheaper to acquire and maintain than motor vehicles, while also promoting physical fitness and reducing environmental pollution.
He explained that many developed countries have integrated bicycle transportation systems into their urban transport plans to improve public health and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The FRSC Zonal Commander noted that the low use of bicycles in Nigeria is largely due to inadequate public awareness and the absence of dedicated cycling lanes on most roads.
He said the corps had continued to advocate the inclusion of bicycle-friendly infrastructure in road construction projects and expressed optimism that governments at all levels were beginning to embrace the initiative.
Assistant Corps Marshal Matthew explained that the observance of World Bicycle Day, with the theme “Cycling for a Greener Future,” is aimed at promoting awareness of the economic, health and environmental benefits of cycling.
Earlier, the Anambra State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno, said the command had intensified public enlightenment campaigns in churches, mosques, markets and motor parks to promote road safety consciousness.
She added that the corps was strengthening collaboration with the media, transport unions, relevant stakeholders and the Anambra State Government to improve safety on the roads.
Corps Commander Asekhauno, however, expressed concern over the continued use of obsolete government number plates by some former public office holders, revealing that the command had engaged the Secretary to the Anambra State Government to facilitate the recovery of such number plates from unauthorized users.
The event climaxed with an awareness bicycle ride by FRSC personnel and cycling enthusiasts through major roads in Awka to promote cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation and a healthy lifestyle.
