Lagos State Government in collaboration with Lagos Urban Development Initiative (LUDI) and other stakeholders, will observe its annual Car-Free Day on Sunday, September 22, 2024.
Gatekeepers News reports that the initiative aims to encourage Lagos residents to do without their vehicles for the day and embrace Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) options, such as cycling and walking.
Lagos State Ministry of Transportation announced this through a statement released by Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi.
The goal of the event is to promote active and inclusive transport methods, reduce environmental pollution, and improve public health through increased physical activity.
The ministry said, “Embrace active and inclusive means of transport, such as cycling and walking, known as Non-Motorised Transport (NMT).”
Car-Free Day is celebrated globally yearly on September 22 to encourage car-free travel. Some countries observe it on different dates by closing streets.
Osiyemi spoke on the significance of NMT in promoting both environmental and personal health.
He said, “Beyond reducing environmental pollution, it addresses the detrimental effects of insufficient physical activity on health.”
According to World Health Organization (WHO); physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality, responsible for 6% of global deaths.
By promoting non-motorised transport, the initiative aims to tackle this issue, encouraging people of all ages and abilities to lead more active lifestyles.
The event will serve as an educational platform to raise awareness about the benefits of environmental health and promote alternatives to private cars, including improved public transportation systems.
Participants are expected to gather at Ahmadu Bello Way to engage in activities such as cycling, cycling training, competitions, skating, stretches, music, and dance.
