Traffic rules that may land bicycle riders in jail

Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amechi, was seen riding a bicycle during the visit of officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps and members of the Cycling Federation of Nigeria to his office in commemoration of the 2018 UN World Bicycle Day in Abuja on Tuesday.

Many states have been advised by Amaechi to provide bicycle lanes and facilities before they can proceed with the plan.

“Apart from competing in sports, cycling also assists to improve the mental wellbeing of an individual, creating a path for cyclists is not the job of the Federal Government but Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and State governments.

“We will help you to liaise with State governments to create easy pathways for cyclists, because if more bicycles are on our roads it would help reduce traffic, cyclists need safer routes to ride” Amaechi said.

According to FRSC, the following rules may likely land cyclists riding on Nigerian roads in jail.

Riding bicycles on unsafe routes:

It is an offence to ride a bicycle of which at least 0.228 metres of the lowest part of the rear mudguard is not painted white on the outside.

Brakes, horns and other appliances:

It is an offence to ride bicycles on the road without two efficient brakes, an efficient bell or horn, or other appliances which give audible warning of approach. It is also an offence to ride a bicycle without an approved safety helmet.

Riding a bicycle in dangerous manner:

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It is an offence to fasten an animal to a bicycle thereby using it to obstruct, endanger or annoy any person using the public road. It is also an offence to leave a bicycle standing unattended without a person to hold the animal attached to it.

According to the FRSC, a person who rides a bicycle on a public road recklessly, without due care and attention, or without reasonable consideration for other road users commits an offence and is liable to a fine of N2,000 or to a term of 3 months imprisonment or to both.

Riding a bicycle when drunk or on drugs:

FRSC also says a person who, when riding a bicycle on a public road, is unfit to ride as a result of alcohol, drugs and other psychotropic substances to such extent that he/she is incapable of having proper control of the bicycle commits an offence.

Any person in contravention of this provision commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine of N2,000 or to a term of 3 months imprisonment or to both.