5 reasons why bicycle as a means of transportation in Nigeria will fail
The Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, said on Tuesday that the ministry would partner with state governments to create easy pathways for bicycles across the country.
Amaechi said this when he received a delegation of Cyclists led by the President of Cycling Federation of Nigeria (CFN) in Abuja.
“The use of bicycle on the road as an alternative means of transportation would help reduce traffic,” he said.
“Riding bicycles is not for the poor as perceived by some people”.
Below are major hindrances to riding bicycle as a means of transportation:
Nigerians are afraid they will lose their lives:
Riding bicycles on Nigerian roads are seen by a teeming populace of Nigerians as extremely risky, as most motorists, especially in Lagos, are impatient people.
Remembering victims of road accident is expedient to encourage the use of bicycles in the country.
Difficulty in ensuring compliance of use of helmet:
The helmet is one’s lifeline in the event of an accident, but unfortunately, most helmets worn in Nigeria are not reliable.
Most helmets worn in Nigeria have been exposed to solvents or other chemicals that might have weakened them.
One cannot tell by looking at a helmet whether it has microscopic cracks that could have weakened it.
Weather:
Many Nigerians may not adhere to the safety use of helmet when riding due to the humid weather, especially in temperate region like Sokoto, Maiduguri, a full-face helmet covers the entire head and face down to the base of the skull and the lower jaw, with an opening for visibility.
The full-face helmet provides the best protection and is the most popular type of helmet. It also has good aerodynamics and keeps the wind and projectiles off the rider’s face.
Bicycle riding is a slow means of transportation:
Many Nigerians may not be able to meet up with key appointments due to the slow nature of bicycle transportation.
Due to heavy traffic congestion in Nigeria, bicycle riding as a means of transportation will be at lower speeds and at a less appreciable pace.
Cost of bicycle tracks:
Except the bicycles are made available for free or at subsidized amount, not many Nigerians would be able to afford getting one.
Expenses on food, clothing, and rent are considered more important and it is already a herculean task for millions of Nigerians to afford such.
