The Lagos State Government, in partnership with the Lagos Urban Development Initiative (LUDI) and other stakeholders, will observe the annual ‘Car Free Day’ on Sunday, 22nd September 2024.
This initiative encourages road users and motorists to set aside their vehicles for the day and embrace Non-Motorised Transport (NMT), such as cycling and walking, according to a statement from the Ministry of Transportation.
The event aligns with global efforts to promote more active and inclusive means of transportation, reducing reliance on private cars. Car Free Day, celebrated worldwide on September 22, also coincides with a period of high fuel prices in Lagos, which has already led to a decrease in vehicle use on the roads.
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Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, explained that the initiative is intended to raise awareness about the environmental and health benefits of NMT. In addition to cutting down on environmental pollution, the initiative tackles the negative health impacts of physical inactivity, which the World Health Organization (WHO) identifies as the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality, responsible for 6% of deaths worldwide.
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The event encourages increased physical activity and less sedentary behavior, benefiting people of all ages and abilities. It also highlights the importance of developing public transportation systems as a viable alternative to private vehicles in urban areas.
The Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, in collaboration with other ministries, departments, agencies, and LUDI, is organizing a range of activities, including cycling, skating, cycling competitions, training sessions, music, and dance. Hundreds of participants are expected to gather at Ahmadu Bello Way to partake in the day’s festivities, which emphasize the importance of environmental health and its direct impact on residents’ well-being.