The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has called for the establishment of Non Motorized Transportation, NMT Infrastructures and facilities in the nation’s highway.
It added that the establishment of such facilities would safeguard the cyclists from hazards on highways.
The FRSC sector commander, Akwa Ibom State, Mr Matthew Olonisaye made the call on Friday in Uyo, the State capital at an event commemorating the World Bicycle Day with the theme, “Cycling for Earth and Humanity”.
Olonisaye who explained that the non motorised transportation facilities would be a separate route for cyclists and would reduce the tendency of vehicles to hit a cyclist on the highway noted that they are mounting pressure on Federal and State Government through the Federal and State ministries of works for provision of NMT infrastructures and facilities.
Enumerating the health benefits of using the bicycle on the highways Olonisaye urged the public to embrace cycling for environmental friendliness.
“We often sensitise the public on the advantages inherent in the usage of bicycles on the highway. Bicycle is very advantageous to humanity as it promotes healthy living, for instance, in minimising heart diseases as well as environmental friendliness.”
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On his part, the Public Relations Officer of Dynamic Cycling Club in Akwa Ibom, Johnson Unanaowo, said that cycling, apart from swimming, is the only sport that engages the entire body.
He regretted that cyclists face a lot of danger on the road because the public does not fully understand them as some motorists see them as nuisances on the highway.
He 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.
He said bicycle is a sustainable means of transportation that can serve as a means not just for transportation but also of access to education, health care and sports.