CAR FREE DAY: ENGENDERS PROJECTS UPDATE, PROMISES TO ENTRENCH NON-MOTORIZED TRANSPORT
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(L-R)1st: Dr Frederic Oladeinde, Commissioner for Transportation, 3rd left, Engr AbdulHafis Toriola, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, both observed the Car Free Day
The Lagos State Government has announced the construction of certain infrastructure to ensure the seamless implementation of the Non-Motorized Transport Plan (NMT).
Speaking at the maiden edition of “Car Free Day”, being promoted by the Lagos state government, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, revealed that in the construction of some of the terminals, bicycle parking has been included to encourage the citizenry to embrace NMT, adding that his administration is making tremendous efforts to make transportation in the State more effective, efficient and sustainable through its several infrastructural, policy, and institutional reforms to curb the looming dangers of the climate change.
The Governor was represented by the State Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, who explained that the Car Free Day was an avenue for a city like Lagos to appraise the state of its road network and create an innovative way of making Non-Motorized transportation equitable, effective and sustainable in the State.
He reassured that the celebration of the Car Free Day in the State will create a paradigm shift in the culture needed for the transformation of the city of Lagos.
Speaking to members of the media at the event, the Transport Commissioner, Dr Oladeinde said that the infrastructure to support Non-Motorized Transport will be put in place to ensure seamless movement for the commuting public. He stressed that the decision was important as transportation is the biggest culprit of carbon emissions affecting the environment negatively.
Oladeinde also reaffirmed that bicycle lanes will be created for Cyclists on the road to encourage the use of bicycles which will benefit the public by ensuring pollution-free environments, road safety and improved health for every individual regardless of their age.
The Transport Commissioner further stated that the Ministry of Transportation is working with physical planning to pilot the Non-Motorized Transport Policy and sustain it.
Representative of the Managing Director, Lagos State Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Osa Konyeha, revealed that the Agency has concluded the first phase of implementation of the Lagos Sidewalk Pilot Project on Catholic Mission Street/Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) which has enhanced walking access to St. Nicholas Hospital, Kings College, Lagos High Court, Federal Court of Appeal, Tafawa Balewa Square, which is home to multi-storey offices and modern shopping complex and one of the major Origin-Destination.
The MD LAMATA assured that plans were underway to implement a cycling pilot project that will traverse Eti-Osa Local Government and Ikoyi-Obalende Local Council Development Area, adding that the Design Review Sub-Committee had conducted site visits and prepared a preliminary design, which will be discussed extensively with all key Stakeholders at the next quarterly meeting.
She also affirmed that LAMATA is committed to implementing a network of walking and cycling routes to implement a transport system that will improve the lifestyle of the people and improve the economic competitiveness of Lagos.
Also speaking, Yinka Jones, who represented the Lagos Urban Development Initiative (LUDI), maintained that the level of pollution in Lagos is increasing due to motorized activities. He encouraged all the role players to play their part in reducing pollution in the State by embracing Non- Motorized Transportation.
Temitope George, representing Cycology, one of the NGOs that collaborated with the State Government to organize the event added that the essence of “Car Free Day” is to awaken the consciousness of residents to the fact that there are other alternative modes of transportation which is the Non-Motorized means of commuting. She noted that her NGO had earlier spear-headed the “share the road” campaign in collaboration with LAMATA.
She explained that the “Share the road” campaign is aimed at sensitizing the motorized road users that the road furniture is for everyone while calling on the State government to continue its inclusive infrastructure that will ensure cyclists, bikers, skaters and other Non-Motorized road users co-habit safely.
Dennis Kange from African Cycling Federation (ACF) averred that the rate of air pollution and road crashes in the State calls for concern. He re-emphasized the need to create more awareness about the social and environmental benefits of the Non-Motorized Transport mode.
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