With seething anger growing in Abuja over the unexpected rise in the price of petrol from about N195 per litre to N540, a comic relief has sprung up with the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) announcing that it may soon start the construction of bicycle lanes within the Abuja metropolis.
The development of the bicycle lanes is part of the government’s efforts in climate change mitigation as it provides arterial and district infrastructures across the Federal Capital City.
A statement from the Director, Information and Communication, FCT, Muhammad Hazat Sule, said the Permanent Secretary, FCT, Mr. Olusade Adesola, announced the plan on Saturday while flagging off the 2023 World Bicycle Day with the theme: ‘Cycling-A Better Easy To Enjoy the City’.
Adesola said the FCT Administration will pay attention to the development of the bicycle lanes already designed in the Abuja Master Plan as it will go a long way to sustain the campaign against climate change by reducing emissions and for the comfort of cyclists.
According to the top civil servant, cycling is a very enjoyable sport and residents will be encouraged to imbibe the culture of using this mode of transportation in the Federal Capital City.
His words: “Cycling can be very intensive as a competitive sport or even for pleasure that you ride to the right and to the left in a very pleasant manner.
“The benefit of cycling is enormous because it can improve heartbeat, and strengthen the limbs, because of the walkout involved. It is a form of exercise that needs to be promoted.”
He commended the Indian High Commission for its consistent support to Nigerians in organising the important event to mark World Bicycle Day.
Att the event, the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Shri G. Balasubramanian, said that the Indian High Commission has in the past five years been assisting to organise World Bicycle Day, which is celebrated on June 3 every year.
▪︎ Additional report by Abuja Digest per Ben Ukeji.