Nkechi Ikpeazu, wife of the Abia State Governor has called on the government at all levels and civil society organisations to enlighten the public on the benefits of cycling, noting that the exercise reduces vulnerability to sickness.
Ikpezu, who is the matron of the Cycling Federation of Nigeria, made the call in Abia during a ceremony to mark World Bicycling Day, organised by the Federal Road Safety Corps.
She called on Nigerians to adopt cycling as a safe means of transport, which also has health benefits for the rider and does not cause pollution.
Ikpeazu revealed that she has been riding bicycles since she was six years old and could attest to numerous gains for the body including stamina and cardiovascular benefits.
She commended the Federal Road Safety Corps for promoting riding as a means of mass transit as it also would reduce road traffic accidents if well organised.
Ikpeazu also demonstrated the importance and health benefits of cycling by riding.
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Also speaking at the ceremony, Paul Ugwu, sector commander, FRSC, said that the World Cycling Day was a day set aside to promote the use of bicycles as alternative means of transportation, thereby helping to reduce the extent of crashes on the road, and reducing carbon emissions.
He said the FRSC collaborated to embark on the cycling demonstration rally through the streets of the city with Ikpeazu because as First Lady of Abia, she has shown tremendous interest in promoting cycling, safety, and health of Abia residents.
He called for the government to fully integrate bicycle lanes in all road construction and enforce compliance so that other road users and vehicles would give the right of way to people on bicycles.
In his remarks, Ezebunwa Ubani, eastern zonal coordinator, Cycling Association of Nigeria, said that the World Cycling Day was an important event that should be taken seriously to promote physical fitness and to reduce emissions in the society.
He commended the wife of Abia Governor for her immense support to the cycling federation, sponsoring several bicycle rallies and local competitions, which had earned her an award as the matron of the National Association of Cycling Federation in the country.
