The Lagos State Government is working with the Lagos Urban Development Initiative (LUDI) to mark the first ever “Car Free Day” in Lagos this Sunday 25th September 2022 to encourage road users and motorists to leave their cars for a Putting off and taking up active and inclusive modes of transport such as cycling and walking every day, known as non-motorized transport (NMT).
In a press statement release to The Info Page News, traffic will be announced to be diverted around Alausa/Ikeja as cyclists cross Governor’s Office Road via Mobolaji Johnson Ave, Billings Way, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Aromire, Adeniyi Jones and Oba Akran path for a bike ride in honor of the event, while approximately 400 meters of Governor’s Avenue will be closed for the event.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde explained that the goal of the initiative is to raise awareness of the benefits of non-motorized transport, including reduced pollution.
He added that the initiative will also reduce insufficient physical activity and sedentary behavior to promote people’s health regardless of their age.
He cited the significant drop in air pollution recorded during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown, when movement was restricted and many private cars and public vehicles went off the roads, which he said helped reduce CO2 emissions into the atmosphere from vehicles and thereby reduced air quality, increased physical activity and improved health practices
“Vehicle emissions have now become a global problem.
In Nigeria and other developing countries, 25% of air pollution problems are caused by car exhaust.
This is very evident in the number of disabled, smoke-filled vehicles that circulate on our roads every day, causing not only health problems but also vision problems and sometimes accidents,” explained Oladeinde.
He also mentioned that the event offers cities and governments an opportunity to do more to further develop public transport systems that can operate more efficiently by providing a viable, reliable alternative to the car in urban areas, and the introduction of non-motorized modes of transport , where walking, cycling and inclusive mobility are in the foreground.
Oladeinde further explained that the event, which is being coordinated by the Lagos State Department of Transport along with other ministries, departments, agencies and the Lagos Urban Development Initiative, is necessary to continuously educate citizens about the importance of environmental health.
Commissioner for Transportation urged motorists to prepare to join the rest of the world in celebrating Car Free Day, but announced that hundreds of people are expected at the venue in Alausa, Ikeja, where many fun and exciting activities such as cycling, Bike training, bike racing, skating, stretching, music, dancing will take place.
He assured that the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority would work hand-in-hand with the Nigerian Police to manage vehicle movements on the detour routes and urged motorists to cooperate with the measures put in place to minimize any inconvenience.
