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Cycling (Credit: ScienceDirect)
The Federal Road Safety Corps’ suggestion to adopt bicycles as a mode of transportation has sparked intense debate on social media.
At the June 2024 United Nations World Bicycle Day Flag Off Ceremony, the FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, reportedly urged Nigerians to cycle for both healthy living and transportation, citing its benefits in promoting serenity, orderliness, and urban peace.
He was quoted as saying, “Without mincing words, no mode of transport promotes the culture of serenity, orderliness, friendly neighbourhoods, and urban peace like the bicycle.
“It is the only individual means of mobility fit for all residents, irrespective of age, gender, or class.”
Following the recent increase in fuel prices, Nigerians on social media have reignited the discussion.
While some see the suggestion as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution, others have raised concerns about its safety and practicality.
On X.com, tweeting anonymously as #Shile_matrix, one user wrote, “Shouldn’t bicycles be for sport and short distances only? How will people ride for hours daily to work? We don’t even have lanes for bicycles like other developed countries. Na trailer breeze go sweep your keke away.”
#Fighting_IX also commented, “This seems like a very good idea because, in other countries, especially congested cities, it’s the mode of transportation. But if this is implemented, road traffic rules will need to change. Bikers will need the right to use roads, and pelican crossings will need to be given priority; otherwise, casualties will rise daily.”
“Have they created a bicycle route? They just talk. For safe riding, there has to be a pathway for cyclists,” tweeted #BamiShuaib.
#ThouSonOfMan wrote, “That’s good advice to minimise fuel costs. Even when they travel from Lagos to Kaduna, they should use bicycles.”
Daniel Regha, tweeting as #DanielRegha, challenged FRSC officers to lead by example and use bicycles for work, saying, “I’d like to see FRSC officers moving around on bicycles and parking their government-approved bicycles on the road while doing their jobs. If the agency still uses cars, then they’re hypocrites.”
Okpara Mbaitoli, tweeting as #BrightIykeIMO, similarly wrote, “The FRSC Corps Marshal should lead the way. He should report to work on a bicycle.”
#mpiredivine added, “Be careful if you’re trying this in Lagos. Not only are you at serious risk without bicycle lanes, but they may eventually start charging fees for cyclists.”
Osaro, tweeting as #OfficiaEdoOsasB, commented, “Bicycle landing costs and customs fees are about to skyrocket. Very soon, bicycle importers will be paying demurrage, and before you know it, a bicycle and a Corolla will cost the same.”
On Instagram, #ajit_x said, “Someone should tell Road Safety that the roads aren’t safe enough for this.”
#joshuao2000 wrote, “The problem isn’t using a bicycle; the problem is when a Korope or keke shifts your waist because they want to overtake you.”
#i_am_dtok similarly wrote, “In a country with no bicycle tracks or lanes, tricycle riders will want to hit you with their sudden stops. Bicycles are good, but there should be proper provisions for them.”
#charminghela_ commented, “Not a bad idea, if bicycle lanes can be created and road rules enforced. It’ll help reduce traffic and carbon dioxide emissions. A lot of us here use bicycles during summer if the distance isn’t too far.”
#oberryhovah humorously added, “Using a bicycle to set off from Berger to Ajah. As I reach, I faint.”
#omokanyinsola joked, “Let me go buy the bicycle I’ll be riding from Island to Mainland.”
#lyciouslyz also commented, “So, after wearing my suit for work, I should ride a bicycle? What energy will I have left to work when I finally arrive?”
