Lagos Partners LUDI To Observe Annual Car Free Day

LAGOS – The Lagos State Government on Sunday 22 September, joins the rest of the World to observe the Car Free Day in promotion of the Non Motorised Transportation NMT mode, that is set to reduce the level of carbon emission associated with other modes of Transportation.

The event was organised in partnership with Lagos Urban Development Initiative LUDI and other stakeholders to impact public on the need to adopt and maintain the non motorised mode of transportation for shorter distances, while harnessing its attendant benefits.

Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation in his speech said the maiden edition was organised in 2022 to promote Non-Motorized form of transportation otherwise known as Active Transportation, which includes walking, cycling, skating, and other small-wheeled form of transportation, which he affirmed to be a huge success.

He said, “Today, we come together again to embrace a vision of our cities and communities that prioritises sustainability, health, and well-being. By leaving our cars at home, we are taking a significant step towards reducing our carbon footprint, improving air quality, and creating safer, more liveable spaces for residents of our dear State.

“This day is not just about giving our cars a rest; it is about reimagining our urban landscapes. It is about enjoying the simple pleasures of walking, cycling, and using public transport. It is about connecting with our neighbors, exploring our local environment, and experiencing the freedom that comes with less traffic and cleaner air.” He said.

Olamide Ejorh, Executive Director of Lagos Urban Development Initiative, LUDI, emphasised that it is working with the State government in promoting the use of non motorised mode of Transportation, especially the use of electric bicycles, buses and other small-wheeled means of Transportation, advocating also the provision of infrastructure that will equally promote the use of NMT on the Lagos Island area as a model.

She said, “It was when we started pushing the State Government to promote the NMT that we realised that it is already in the State’s Transportation policy, meaning the State is already giving due consideration to those, walking, cycling skating to transport themselves, while the State government is working to provide the requisite infrastructure to enhance their safety and for the practitioners to do it more regularly rather than just doing it for sporting or health reasons.”

Osiyemi stressed that 11 minutes of moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking or cycling can lower the risk of an early death and reduce the risk of developing heart and circulatory diseases, saying, “as we walk, cycle, and play in our car-free streets, let us take a moment to appreciate the positive impact we can make.”

He averred that every step we take today is a step towards a greener, and healthier future, urging stakeholders to use the opportunity to reflect on how they can incorporate these practices into their daily lives, making sustainable choices that benefit our planet and our communities.

Advocating the public to take the practice beyond the event day, harping on the need to reduce reliance on cars, whether by walking or cycling more often, to inspire others to join this movement towards a more sustainable lifestyle.

While assuring that the State government will continue to promote NMT and continue to incorporate, infrastructure for Non-Motorised means of Transportation its plans and design of roads.

The Honourable Commissioner took the lead riding on both a manually operated bicycle and subsequently on an electric one, opening up the event for several others to took to riding bicycles, skating and walking.