FRSC seeks establishment of non-motorised transportation infrastructure

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has called for the establishment of a Non-Motorised Transportation (NMT) infrastructure and facilities to save cyclists the hazards on highways.

The Akwa Ibom State Sector Commander of FRSC, Mr Matthew Olonisaye said this during the commemoration of the World Bicycle Day with the theme, “Cycling for Earth and Humanity” in Uyo on Friday.

The command, who took to the street to sensitise the public, led the cyclists and traversed across the Uyo metropolis from Idoro Road to Atiku Abubakar Way before returning to its headquarters.

According to Olonisaye, the non motorised transportation facilities would be a separate route for cyclists and would minimise the tendency of vehicles to hit a cyclist on the highway.

He said: “We are joining the rest of the world in promoting cycling as means of transportation in Nigeria.

“Bicycle is very advantageous to humanity as it promotes healthy living, for instance, in minimising heart diseases.

“We often sensitise the public on the advantages inherent in the usage of bicycles on the highway.

“We are making on mounting pressure on Federal and State Government through the Federal and State ministries of works for provision of NMT infrastructures and facilities in the nation’s highways.

“We are collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Transport for the adoption of a National Policy on Non-Motorised Transportation (NMT) which is an umbrella for the eventual actualisation of a National Policy on NMT.”

The sector commander urged members of the public to embrace cycling for good health and environmental friendliness.

On his part, the Public Relations Officer of Dynamic Cycling Club in Akwa Ibom, Mr Johnson Unanaowo, said that cycling, apart from swimming, is the only sport that engages the entire body.

He expressed displeasure that cyclists face a lot of danger on the road because the general public does not fully understand them.

Olonisaye added that some motorists see cyclists as nuisances on the highway.

He, however, called on the government to support cycling as it could contribute to the Internally Generated Revenue in the country as it is happening in other nations of the world.

“Bicycle is a sustainable means of transportation that can serve as a means, not just of transportation, but also of access to education, health care and sports,” he said.