The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has urged Nigerians to embrace cycling as an affordable, healthy and environmentally friendly means of transportation.
The Zonal Commanding Officer of RS5 Benin Zone, Assistant Corps Marshal Cyril Matthew, made the call on Wednesday in Awka during his quarterly visit to the Anambra State Command and the commemoration of the 2026 World Bicycle Day.
World Bicycle Day, instituted by the United Nations in 2018, is observed annually to highlight the benefits of bicycles as a simple, affordable, reliable, clean and sustainable mode of transportation. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Cycling for a Greener Future.”
Speaking at the event, Matthew said bicycles are cheaper to acquire and maintain than motor vehicles, while also promoting physical fitness and reducing environmental pollution.
He noted that many developed countries have integrated bicycle transportation systems into their urban mobility plans as part of broader efforts to improve public health and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“Advanced countries have adopted bicycle transportation systems as part of efforts to promote public health and mitigate the effects of carbon emissions,” he said.
He attributed the low adoption of bicycles in Nigeria to inadequate public awareness and the lack of dedicated cycling infrastructure.
“The use of bicycles in Nigeria remains low because many people are not fully aware of their benefits, while road infrastructure in most areas does not provide safe lanes for cyclists,” Matthew said.
He added that the FRSC has continued to advocate the inclusion of bicycle-friendly infrastructure in road development plans and expressed optimism that governments at various levels were gradually embracing the initiative.
According to him, the commemoration of World Bicycle Day is aimed at raising awareness about the economic, health and environmental benefits of cycling.
He urged Nigerians to adopt bicycles more frequently, noting that they help reduce transportation costs and contribute to a cleaner environment by eliminating harmful emissions.
Earlier, the Anambra State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Mrs Bridget Asekhauno, said the command had intensified public enlightenment campaigns in churches, mosques, markets and motor parks to promote road safety awareness.
Asekhauno said the corps was also strengthening collaboration with the media, transport unions, relevant stakeholders and the Anambra State Government to enhance road safety across the state.
She, however, expressed concern over the continued use of obsolete 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 recover such number plates from unauthorized users.
The event featured an awareness ride by FRSC personnel and cycling enthusiasts through parts of Awka to promote cycling as a sustainable means of transportation and a healthy lifestyle.
