Lagos wants motorists to leave vehicles home on Sunday, will they listen?

The Lagos State Government says it has collaborated with the Lagos Urban Development Initiative (LUDI) and other stakeholders to observe the annual ‘Car Free Day’ in Lagos on Sunday, September, 22, 2024.

According to a statement by Bolanle Ogunlola, a Deputy Director of Public Affairs in the transport ministry, the initiative encourages road users and motorists to set aside their cars for a day and embrace active and inclusive means of transport, such as cycling and walking, known as Non-Motorised Transport (NMT).

The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, explained that the primary aim of the initiative “is to raise awareness about the benefits of Non-Motorised Transport. Beyond reducing environmental pollution, it addresses the detrimental effects of insufficient physical activity on health.”

The statement quoted the World Health Organization (WHO), as stating that physical inactivity “is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality, accounting for 6% of global deaths. Increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviours are essential steps in promoting public health, as people of all ages and abilities can benefit from a more active lifestyle.”

The state government also said the event also provided an opportunity for cities and governments to advance public transport systems, offering viable and reliable alternatives to private cars in urban areas.

The statement added, “Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of non-motorized transport by prioritizing walking, cycling, and inclusive mobility.

“The Transport Commissioner further explained that the event, involving the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation in collaboration with other Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and Lagos Urban Development Initiative, aims to educats the public on the significance of environmental health and its direct impact on the well-being of the people.

“Hundreds of participants are expected to gather at Ahmadu Bello Way venue for a day filled with fun and exciting activities such as cycling, cycling training, cycling competitions, skating, stretches, music, and dance.”