Amidst the ongoing fuel crisis, a general physician, Dr Tunji Akintade, has advised Nigerians to embrace cycling to improve personal health and well-being.
Akintade gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos to commemorate the 2023 World Bicycle Day.
World Bicycle Day is celebrated annually on June 3 to encourage more people choose bicycles as a mode of transport, to reduce traffic congestion, fossil fuel, and carbon emissions while improving personal health and well-being.
The theme for World Bicycle Day 2023 is “Riding Together for a Sustainable Future”.
Akintade noted that promoting cycling in Nigeria was critical to reducing the high burden of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes; and lower air and noise pollution.
According to him, embracing bicycles as a mode of transportation is currently crucial as many citizens face the challenges of increased fuel price and high cost of transportation arising from removal of fuel subsidy.
“Cycling is apt, now that Nigerians are going through a fuel crisis as it would help save money and keep people healthy.
“A lot of people aren’t exercising. Cycling in the morning and evening is good to curtail the risk of non-communicable diseases.
“Instead of driving cars to markets or to visit friends in our neighbourhood, we can use our bicycles. Cycling can help improve cardiovascular, lung, and mental health.
“It is an enjoyable way to stay healthy as it helps you lose weight, lower your cholesterol and strengthen your legs,” he said.
The physician noted that aside from the health benefits, cycling also assists to reduce traffic congestion, air pollution, improves public health and a cleaner environment.
He advised cyclists to priotise their safety by adorning protective gear, obeying traffic rules and warned against cycling on highways to avoid accidents.
Akintade appealed to the government to promote cycling through creation of dedicated cycling and walking lanes, street lights and improved security to enhance safety. (NAN)