FRSC Promotes Bicycle As Means Of Transportation In Ebonyi

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) on Monday in Abakaliki, urged residents to embrace bicycles as means of transportation.

Mrs Stella Uchendu, FRSC Sector Commander in Ebonyi, said this at the commemoration of the World Bicycle Day organised in the state in conjunction with Abakaliki Cycling Club.

According to Uchendu, bicycle usage reduces traffic congestion and has immense health benefits.

She called on relevant stakeholders in transport sector in the state to assist in promoting the usage of bicycles in the Ebonyi.

“The FRSC in its drive to reduce road crashes in the country enjoins the citizens to embrace the use of bicycles as a means of transportation to ease the congestion on our roads.

“The UN recognises that motorised transportation has effect on the environment, through gas and greenhouse emissions and other forms of pollution which emanates from vehicles.

“The world wants to reduce dependence on motorised form of transportation, which made it to promote the use bicycle for transportation.

“We also urge the people to correct the notion that bicycles should be used only in rural areas, it can also be used in the urban areas if adequate modalities are put in place,” he said.

She urged the government to construct roads with cycling paths, to reduce the risks associated with bicycle usage on roads.

“The government should also construct roads with speed-calmer, to reduce speed because all road users including cyclists have the right to use roads.

“We also enlightened bicycle riders to protect themselves by wearing helmets, reflective clothing, especially at night, reduce speed, install reflectors on bicycle pedals, among other protective measures.

The sector commander noted that cycling also had several health benefits and a source of physical exercise to keep people healthy.

“Bicycle riding also promotes leisure, a source of fun, promotes conviviality and is devoid of the traffic competitions, usually associated with driving on the road.

“It is also pertinent to note that the FRSC in conjunction with the late Minster of Transportation, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, promoted bicycle riding in 2011, as an alternative source of transportation,” she said.

Mr Tochukwu Eni, State Coordinator of the Abakaliki Cycling Club, commended the FRSC for partnering with the club to commemorate the day, noting that it would enhance its activities.

“We are gratified with the tutorials on safety measures to adopt while cycling. This will encourage us not to be deterred in promoting the cycling message.

“We would also change the mind-set of people about using bicycles as an alternative means of transportation, as obtained in developed cultures of the world.

Mr Ugochuku Umeh, the Cycling Club’s Trainer, noted that cyclists face varying dangers on the road due to the poor driving culture of motorists.

“We are appealing for support from the government and private individuals to promote the bicycle riding culture, to reduce accidents and enhance transportation,” he said.

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