Plateau FRSC: Cycling answer to rising fuel cost
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Plateau State is promoting cycling as a solution to rising fuel costs and environmental concerns.
- Cycling offers an affordable, environmentally friendly alternative that can reduce traffic congestion and promote healthier lifestyles.
- The FRSC advocates for dedicated cycling lanes and integration of non-motorised transport into urban planning.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Plateau State is urging residents to adopt cycling as a primary mode of transportation, highlighting its benefits for affordability, health, and the environment. This call comes amidst rising fuel costs, increasing traffic congestion, and growing environmental awareness.
Cycling reduces traffic pressure, cuts down on air pollution, and promotes healthy living. It is an option we must begin to mainstream into our urban mobility plan.
Plateau State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Dr. Adelaja Ogungbemi, emphasized cycling's role in addressing urban mobility challenges during the commemoration of World Bicycle Day. He stated that cycling reduces traffic pressure, cuts down on air pollution, and promotes healthier living. "It is an option we must begin to mainstream into our urban mobility plan," Ogungbemi said.
Riding bicycles, if adopted by everyone, would reduce traffic congestion on our roads, especially in cities. It will also allow the free flow of traffic.
Adopting bicycles more widely could significantly ease traffic congestion, particularly in urban centers like the Jos-Bukuru metropolis. Ogungbemi noted that as fuel prices continue to climb, cycling offers a practical way for individuals to manage transportation costs. "If everyone can imbibe the use of bicycles, it will become easier for people to do their businesses and move from one point to another," he added.
Today, we have discovered that the cost of fuel is getting higher. If everyone can imbibe the use of bicycles, it will become easier for people to do their businesses and move from one point to another.
The FRSC is actively advocating for infrastructure improvements to support cyclists, including the creation of dedicated cycling lanes and enhanced road signage. They also plan to increase public awareness campaigns to encourage wider acceptance of non-motorised transport. The Corps is ready to collaborate with the state government, local councils, and urban planners to integrate cycling infrastructure into ongoing road projects. Chairman of the Plateau Cycling Association, Dr. James Amidu, who led a 10-kilometer rally, stressed that bicycles are a practical daily transport option, not just for recreation, and called for mutual respect among all road users.
Our roads are wide enough to accommodate cyclists if there is discipline and mutual respect among all road users. We are asking for safety, not privilege.
Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.