FRSC Blames Bad Road, Poor Health Benefit Awareness for Low Bicycle Usage in Nigeria

By Praise Chinecherem

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has attributed the low use of bicycles in Nigeria to inadequate awareness of their benefits and the absence of bicycle-friendly road infrastructure across the country.

The Zonal Commanding Officer of RS5 Benin Zone, Assistant Corps Marshal Cyril Matthew, stated this on Wednesday in Awka during his quarterly visit to the Anambra State Command and the commemoration of the 2026 World Bicycle Day.

Matthew urged Nigerians to embrace cycling as a means of transportation, describing bicycles as affordable, environmentally friendly and beneficial to public health.

According to him, bicycles are cheaper to acquire and maintain than motor vehicles, help reduce transportation costs and do not emit harmful gases that contribute to environmental pollution.

He noted that many developed countries had integrated bicycle transportation systems into their urban mobility plans as part of efforts to improve public health and curb greenhouse gas emissions.

“Advanced countries have adopted bicycle transportation systems as a matter of public health well-being and control of greenhouse effects arising from carbon emissions,” he said.

The FRSC official, however, lamented that bicycle use remained largely unpopular in Nigeria due to widespread ignorance of its numerous advantages and the lack of dedicated cycling lanes in most parts of the country.

He disclosed that the Corps had continued to advocate the incorporation of bicycle-friendly infrastructure into road development projects, adding that government was gradually embracing the initiative.

Speaking on the theme of this year’s celebration, “Cycling for a Greener Future,” Matthew said the event was aimed at raising awareness of the economic, health and environmental benefits of cycling.

He called on Nigerians to make greater use of bicycles for transportation and recreation in order to promote healthier lifestyles and a cleaner environment.

Earlier, the Anambra State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Mrs Bridget Asekhauno, said the command had intensified public enlightenment campaigns in churches, mosques, markets and motor parks to deepen road safety awareness among residents.

She said the Corps was also strengthening collaboration with the media, transport unions, relevant stakeholders and the Anambra State Government to improve safety on the roads.

Asekhauno expressed concern over the continued use of obsolete government number plates by some former public office holders.

She revealed that the command had engaged the Secretary to the State Government on the need to retrieve such number plates from unauthorised users.

The event featured an awareness ride by FRSC personnel and cycling enthusiasts through major parts of Awka to promote cycling as a viable means of transportation and healthy living.