Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia.
The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, has urged Nigerians to embrace the use of bicycles as means of movement in view of the numerous health benefits, as well as to help decongest the roads.
Abia State Sector Commandant of FRSC, Mr. Paul Ugwu, who made the appeal in Umuahia during a rally to commemorate this year’s World Bicycle Day, also said that the use of bicycle helps in burning off unnecessary fats in the body.
He enumerated some of the benefits of bicycle riding to include:”reduction of carbon emission, reduction of expenses on fuel and improvement on health generally.”
The Sector Commander, however, noted some of the few challenges associated with the use of bicycle in Nigeria such as poor road infrastructure, stigma and unsafe road habits.
He appealed to the wife of the Governor to partner the Corps to promote the use of bicycle as a means of movement in the state.
In her remarks, Abia State Governor’s wife, Dr Mrs Nkechi Ikpeazu, thanked the FRSC for organising the rally, and promised to assist the Corps in raising awareness about the health benefits of using bicycles.
She urged members of the public to embrace cycling as a means of movement especially in view of the numerous health and other benefits.
Addressing the corps marshals and other participants at the rally when they had a stop-over at the Federal Medical Centre Umuahia, the Chief Medical Director, Professor Onyebuchi, noted that using bicycle was a regular way of exercise.
He affirmed that those who use bicycle regularly are less likely to suffer from cardiovascular diseases, stroke, diabetes, obesity, depression, arthritis and other diseases associated to the lungs resulting from inhaling unhealthy emissions in the atmosphere.
The CMD further said that “riding a bike is fun and a low-impact form of exercise for all ages.”
Meanwhile, the Sector Commander thanked the MD for their partnership with the Command over the years, especially in the area of their quick response to injured victims of road crashes.
As part of the ceremony, Governor Ikpeazu’s wife and some Government officials rode on bicycle during the rally even as the Sector Commander visited a radio station in the state to sensitise members of the public on the benefits of using bicycles.
