The Federal Road Safety Corps in Plateau State has urged residents to embrace cycling as a safe, affordable and environmentally friendly means of transportation, citing rising fuel costs, traffic congestion and growing environmental concerns, Arewa reports.
The Plateau State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Corps Commander Dr Adelaja Ogungbemi, made the call during the commemoration of the 2026 World Bicycle Day in Jos.
The event, organised in collaboration with cycling clubs and civil society organisations, featured a bicycle rally and awareness campaign aimed at promoting cycling as a viable mode of urban transportation.
Ogungbemi said cycling offers a practical solution to transportation challenges in urban centres such as the Jos-Bukuru metropolis while also promoting healthier lifestyles.
“Cycling reduces traffic pressure, cuts down on air pollution, and promotes healthy living. It is an option we must begin to mainstream into our urban mobility plan,” he said.
The sector commander noted that increased adoption of bicycles would ease traffic congestion and reduce the financial burden of transportation on residents.
“Riding bicycles, if adopted by everyone, would reduce traffic congestion on our roads, especially in cities. It will also allow the free flow of traffic.
“Today, we have discovered that the cost of fuel is getting higher. If everyone can imbibe the use of bicycles, it will become easier for people to do their businesses and move from one point to another,” he added.
Ogungbemi disclosed that the FRSC was advocating the creation of dedicated cycling lanes, improved road signage and increased public awareness campaigns to enhance the safety of cyclists and encourage wider acceptance of non-motorised transport.
He observed that countries with established cycling cultures record fewer road crashes and lower transportation costs for households, benefits he said could be replicated in Plateau through deliberate policies and infrastructure development.
“The Corps is ready to partner with the state government, local councils and urban planners to integrate non-motorised transport into ongoing road projects,” he said.
Chairman of the Plateau Cycling Association, Dr James Amidu, who led participants on a 10-kilometre ride through major roads in Jos, described bicycles as a practical means of daily transportation rather than merely a recreational or sporting activity.
“Our roads are wide enough to accommodate cyclists if there is discipline and mutual respect among all road users. We are asking for safety, not privilege,” Amidu said.
He urged the Plateau State Government to establish pilot cycling corridors along major routes, including Ahmadu Bello Way, Murtala Mohammed Way and the Polo–JD Gomwalk corridor.
Participants at the event, including students, civil servants and members of the National Youth Service Corps, described cycling as a cost-effective transportation option amid prevailing economic challenges.
The FRSC said it would intensify public enlightenment campaigns on road sharing, cyclist rights and the importance of safety gear while advocating the inclusion of cycling infrastructure in the state’s transportation master plan.
Environmental and sports experts who attended the programme also highlighted the environmental benefits of cycling, noting that increased bicycle use could help Plateau State reduce transport-related carbon emissions and advance its climate action goals.