Adebayo Adenrele
The Lagos State Government in collaboration with the Lagos Urban Development Initiative (LUDI) has slated Sunday as a day to observe the first ever ‘Car Free Day’ in the State.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Dr Frederic Oladeinde, in a statement through the Deputy Director, Public Affairs Unit of the Ministry, Mrs Bolanle Ogunlola, said that the initiative is to encourage road users and motorists to set aside their cars for a day.
Oladeinde stated they are, on that day, encouraged to take up active and inclusive means of transport such as cycling and walking, known as Non Motorized Transport (NMT).
In his words, “Traffic will be diverted around Alausa/Ikeja as cyclists will utilise Governor’s Office Road, through Mobolaji Johnson Ave, Billings Way, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Aromire, Adeniyi Jones, and Oba Akran Way for bicycle rides to mark the event.”
“About 400 metres of the Governor’s Avenue will be closed for the event.”
“The aim of the initiative is to create awareness about the benefits of Non Motorised Transport, including reduced environmental pollution.”
Oladeinde added that Lagos State Traffic Management Authority would work hand in hand with the Nigeria Police Force to manage vehicular movement on the diversion routes.
He thereby pleaded with the motoring public to cooperate with the interventions put in place to minimise inconveniences.