THE state government has announced the construction of certain infrastructure to ensure the seamless implementation of the Non-Motorized Transport Plan (NMT).
Speaking at the state maiden edition of “Car Free Day”, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, revealed that in the construction of some of the terminals, bicycle parking has been included to encourage the citizenry to embrace NMT. He added that his administration is making tremendous efforts to make transportation in the state more effective, efficient and sustainable through its several infrastructural, policy, and institutional reforms to curb the looming dangers of the climate change.
The governor, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, explained that the Car Free Day was an avenue for a city like Lagos to appraise the state of its road network and create an innovative way of making Non Motorised transportation equitable, effective and sustainable in the State.
He reassured that the celebration of the Car Free Day in the State will create a paradigm shift in the culture needed for the transformation of the city of Lagos.
On his part, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde reassured that the infrastructure to support Non-Motorised Transport will be put in place to ensure seamless movement for the commuting public. He stressed that the decision was important as transportation is the biggest culprit of carbon emissions affecting the environment negatively.
Oladeinde also re-affirmed that bicycles lanes will be created for cyclists on the road to encourage the use of bicycles which will benefit the public by ensuring pollution free environments, road safety and improved health for every individual regardless of their ages
The transport commissioner further stated that the ministry of transportation is working with physical planning to pilot the Non Motorised Transport Policy and sustain it.
Also speaking, Yinka Jones, who represented the Lagos Urban Development Initiative (LUDI), maintained that the level of pollution in Lagos is increasing due to motorized activities. He encouraged all the role players to play their part in reducing pollution in the State by embracing Non- Motorised Transportation.
Temitope George, representing Cycology, a club of cyclists, one of the groups that collaborated with the state government to organise the event added that the essence of “Car Free Day” is to awaken the consciousness of residents to the fact that there are other alternative mode of transportation which is the Non-Motorised means of commuting revealing that her NGO had earlier spear-headed the “share the road” campaign in collaboration with LAMATA.
She explained that the “Share the road” campaign is aimed at sensitizing the motorised road users that the road furniture is for everyone while calling on the State government to continue its inclusive infrastructure that will ensure cyclists, bikers, skaters and other Non-Motorised road users co-habit safely.
Dennis Kange from African Cycling Federation (ACF) stated that the rate of air pollution and road crashes in the state calls for concern. He re- emphasised the need to create more awareness about the social and environmental benefits of Non-Motorized Transport mode.
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