The Lagos State Government has announced the construction of certain infrastructure to ensure the seamless implementation of the Non-Motorized Transport Plan (NMT).
In a press statement release to The Info Page News, Lagos State Governor, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu said at the first state edition of “Car-Free Day” that bicycle parking spaces are planned in the construction of some terminals to encourage citizens to adopt NMT, adding that his government is making tremendous efforts is undertaking to make transportation in the state more effective, efficient and sustainable through several infrastructural, political and institutional reforms to curb the impending dangers of climate change.
The governor, represented by the state commissioner for traffic, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde explained that the Car Free Day is an opportunity for a city like Lagos to assess the state of its road network and create an innovative way to make non-motorized transport fairer. effective and sustainable in the state.
He assured that the celebration of the car-free day in the state will bring about a paradigm shift in culture, which is necessary for the transformation of the city of Lagos.
Speaking to the press at the event, Traffic Commissioner Dr. Frederic Oladeinde that infrastructure to support non-motorized transport will be put in place to ensure seamless movement for the commuting public.
He stressed that the decision is important as transport is the biggest contributor to CO2 emissions that have a negative impact on the environment.
Oladeinde also reiterated that bike lanes for cyclists will be created on the streets to encourage bicycle use, which will benefit the public by ensuring environmentally friendly environments, road safety and improved health for all people regardless of their age.
The Transport Commissioner further explained that the Department of Transport is working with spatial planning to test and maintain the non-motorised transport policy.
Lagos State Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) Executive Director Representative Osa Konyeha announced that the agency has completed the implementation of the first phase of the Lagos Sidewalk Pilot Project at Catholic Mission Street/Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), the offers improved walking access to St. Nicholas Hospital, Kings College, Lagos High Court, Federal Court of Appeal, Tafawa Balewa Square, where a multi-storey office/shopping complex is located and one of the main departure and arrival points.
He assured that plans were underway to implement a cycling pilot project that would traverse Eti-Osa LG and Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA, adding that the Design Review Sub-Committee had conducted site visits and prepared a preliminary design, which will be discussed in detail with all the key stakeholders at the next quarterly meeting.
The Managing Director also confirmed that LAMATA is committed to establishing a network of hiking and cycling trails to implement a transportation system that will improve people’s lifestyles and improve Lagos’ economic competitiveness.
Yinka Jones, representing the Lagos Urban Development Initiative (LUDI), also claimed that pollution levels in Lagos are increasing due to motorized activities.
He encouraged all role players to do their part to reduce pollution in the state by introducing non-motorized transportation.
Temitope George, who represents Cycology, one of the NGOs that has worked with the state government to organize the event, added that the essence of the “car-free day” is to raise awareness among residents of the fact that there are other alternative modes of transport are the non-motorized mode of commuting, revealing that her NGO had previously spearheaded the Share the Road campaign in partnership with LAMATA.
She explained that the “Share the road” campaign aims to raise awareness among motorists that road amenities are for everyone, and called on the state government to continue with their inclusive infrastructure that includes non-motorized cyclists, bikers, skaters and others Roads ensures users cohabit safely.
Dennis Kange of the African Cycling Federation (ACF) claimed air pollution and road accidents are a concern in the state. He reiterated the need to raise awareness of the social and environmental benefits of non-motorized modes of transport.
