Grace Omachoko
The second edition of a 10-kilometre cycling competition organized for students in Abuja has prompted the suggestion for provision of bicycle lanes to enhance easy transportation by some parents following the hike in fuel price.
The competition tagged “Bikers Race: Cycling is Fun”, was organised by Apexdotcom in collaboration with Dynamic Women on Point.
Some parents in Kubwa, a suburb in the Federal Capital Territory, have called on the federal and state governments to develop bicycle lanes on roads for students who have bicycles to ride to schools and other places safe.
Gloria Eloho-Uduokhia, one of the organisers of the competition noted that the initiative was to enhance the wellbeing and physical fitness of the students.
“The economic situation in the country is something else as fuel price is on the high side. We organized this competition so that the students prefer to ride their bikes to schools. With this, we are also calling on the government to create lanes on the roads for students to be able to ride their bicycles safely,” she said.
Another parent, who is also an organiser, Marian Oluwapidan, said that the competition would build confidence, stamina and a better mental capabilities of the students and also encourage children to take themselves to school or go on errands.
“With this fuel subsidy removal, they will not need school bus, with their bicycles, they can actually ride to school, when they get to school they can park their bicycles and when they are done, they take their bikes and go back home.
“This will reduce the stress on the parents trying to pay for school bus or trying to pay for commercial motorcycles, but once they have a proper bicycle, they can ride to school,” she said.
Master Dominion Caleb, who emerged over all winner of the competition, appreciated the group for coming up with the competition saying it was a good experience and he thank God for making him emerge winner.
At the end of the competition, prizes were given to the winners and runner-up participants in each category.
