Cyclists urge govt to implement non-motorised policy

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Grace Edema

The Cycology Cycling Club has called on the Lagos State’s Ministry of Transportation to implement the non-motorised transport policy by incorporating bicycle lanes in road infrastructure.

Speaking during a visit to Shodex Garden, Ilupeju, Lagos to commemorate the one-year memorial anniversary of one of their members, Afolabi Mabogunje, Captain of Cycology, Mrs. Temitope George, explained that cycling was a means of transportation, saying it reduced carbon emission with climate change.

She said, “If people don’t feel safe to cycle, it is a problem. Safety, security of life, and property is very important. Government should double up in their efforts to keep citizens safe. Security issues on our roads are a major concern, we call on the ministry of transportation to implement the non-motorised transport policy by incorporating bicycle lanes in their road infrastructure.”

The group was also joined by other cyclists from the Cyclotron, City Cyclers and Green House Bikers clubs.

The Captain of Cyclotron, Oladimeji Daodu, described Mabogunje as a mentor, adding that cyclists were easy targets for miscreants on Lagos roads.

“As cyclists, we are 100 per cent responsible for our safety. The government should take the initiative by ensuring there is a safe path on the road designated for cyclists.

“Cycling is what we have chosen, which will be beneficial to our health. We need the government to make cycling safer in Lagos.”

Mabogunje’s widow, Mrs Abimbola Mabogunje, recalled what led to the death of her husband, saying, “He was waiting for some of his (cycling) members at Shodex Gardens, Ilupeju, Lagos, but some people on okada (motorbike) approached him, stabbed him in the neck and left him for dead. They wanted his phone. If he had known, he would have just given it to them.”