The Lagos State Government, in partnership with the Lagos Urban Development Initiative (LUDI) and other stakeholders, will observe its annual Car-Free Day on Sunday, September 22, 2024.

The initiative encourages Lagos residents to forgo their vehicles for the day and embrace Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) options, such as cycling and walking.

In a statement, the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation highlighted the event’s goals: promoting active and inclusive transportation, reducing environmental pollution, and improving public health through increased physical activity.

“Embrace active and inclusive means of transport, such as cycling and walking,” the statement urged.

Car-Free Day is observed globally every September 22, with some countries closing streets to promote car-free travel. This year’s event in Lagos comes at a crucial time, coinciding with the ongoing fuel price hike, which has already led to fewer vehicles on the roads.

Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, stressed the importance of NMT in addressing environmental concerns and improving personal health, noting that physical inactivity is a major risk factor for global mortality.

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“Beyond reducing environmental pollution, it addresses the detrimental effects of insufficient physical activity on health,” Osiyemi said.

The World Health Organization (WHO) lists physical inactivity as the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality, contributing to 6% of deaths worldwide. The initiative aims to promote active lifestyles and reduce this risk by encouraging more people to adopt NMT.

In addition to promoting sustainable transport, the event will raise awareness of environmental health and encourage alternatives to private cars, including enhanced public transportation systems.

The Car-Free Day activities will be held at Ahmadu Bello Way, with hundreds of participants expected to join in cycling, competitions, skating, stretches, and musical performances.

The Lagos State Ministry of Transportation will collaborate with other government agencies and LUDI to ensure the event’s success, highlighting the benefits of active transportation for the environment and public health.