By Ayoni M. Agbabiaka
Abuja
Corps Marshal and Chief Executive FRSC, Osita Chidoka, has advocated for improved government engagement and public consciousness towards the promotion of non-motorised transport in the region.
He spoke during the 2014 edition of Velo-City Global Cycling Planning and Research Conference holding at the Convention Centre, Adelaide, South Australia.
The FRSC boss, who is also a board member of the Cycling Federation of Nigeria, extolled the health and environmental benefits of cycling as a mobility option and solicited government support for measures towards ensuring the safety of cyclists.
The 2014 edition of the annual conference with the theme “Cities for Cycling,” among other benefits, would provide a platform for networking, collaboration and shared experience with a view to encouraging the drive towards planned bicycle transportation in Nigerian cities.
In a paper presentation entitled: “Sustainable Cycling Culture in Africa”,the Nigerian Tool Kit” under the conference sub-theme “Cycling in Developing and Emerging Economies,” Chidoka x-rayed the efforts of the FRSC and other stakeholders in Nigeria and how the efforts were gaining acceptance across the cities, the effort which when achieved, would impact positively on the economy of the nation.
Responding to a question, Chidoka said cultural change remained a fundamental factor to the success of bicycle transportation in Nigeria as many believe cycling as a transportation mode for the poor.
He also responded to several other questions from the African and global perspectives, bordering on bicycle transportation.
