By Muhammed Opeyemi
The Lagos State says it is set to promote non-motorised transportation (NMT) as a major element in its transport policy.
TheNewsZenith reports that Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, announced this at the 2024 World Car-Free Day celebration, on Sunday, in Lagos.
The World Car-free Day is celebrated every year on Sept. 22 in cities across the globe.
During this event, people are encouraged not to use their cars for one day.
Osiyemi said the government would incorporate infrastructure for non-motorised means of transportation into its plans and road designs. This is to encourage attraction towards NMT.
According to the commissioner, the maiden edition of the Car-Free Day, on Sept. 23, 2022, promoted non-motorised form of transportation. This is active transportation, he said.
He said that NMT included walking, cycling, skating and other small-wheeled form of transportation.
“Today, we come together again to embrace a vision of our cities and communities that prioritises sustainability, health and well-being.
“By leaving our cars at home, we are taking a significant step towards reducing our carbon footprint and improving air quality.
“We are also creating safer, more liveable spaces for residents of our dear state.
“This day is not just about giving our cars a rest; it is about reimagining our urban landscapes.
“It is about enjoying the simple pleasures of walking, cycling and using public transport.
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“It is about connecting with our neighbours, exploring our local environment and experiencing the freedom that comes with less traffic and cleaner air,’’ TheNewsZenith quotes him saying.
On the benefit of walking, the commissioner said “Just 11 minutes of moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking or cycling could lower the risk of an early death’’.
The Executive Director of Lagos Urban Development Initiative (LUDI), a non-profit organisation, Mrs Olamide Ejorh, also spoke at the event.
Ejorh advocated for sustainable transportation in urban areas.
She explained that beyond celebrating the car-free day, LUDI was trying to work with the Lagos State Government to improve road infrastructure.
It is also promoting the use of electric buses and cars.
Ejorh said the state government was doing a lot, looking into including cycling and working on data collection around Lagos Island.
“We started urging the Lagos State Government on this issue at the end of the design of the NMT policy.
“Since then, LUDI has been trying to integrate the NMT policy into Lagos transport policy.
“If the government include NMT, it means the current administration is thinking about people who are walking and cycling.
“They are working on how people can do it safely, securely and regularly,” Ejorh said.
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