By Yunusa Isa, Gombe
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Gombe Sector Command has joined the global community on Wednesday to mark the 2026 United Nations World Bicycle Day, rallying behind the theme “Boosting Urban with the Bicycle.”
Addressing the media during the event, the Sector Commander, Corps Commander Samson Kaura, highlighted the necessity of integrating cycling into the local transit culture to mitigate traffic congestion and reduce carbon emissions.
He emphasized that as the nation moves toward more sustainable urban mobility, the safety of cyclists, who remain among the most vulnerable road users must become a collective priority.
CC Kaura stated that “We are committed to promoting non-motorized transport as a viable solution to the challenges of modern urban traffic. However, with increased cycling comes a heightened need for safety consciousness. Cyclists must prioritize their well-being by wearing helmets and reflective jackets, strictly obeying traffic regulations, and crucially, avoiding the use of mobile phones while riding.”
The Sector Commander also issued a stern call to action for motorists, urging them to respect the right of way for those on two wheels.
“I am calling on all motorists to ‘Share the Road.’ Please provide cyclists with adequate space, strictly observing the 1.5-meter safe passing rule to prevent avoidable accidents”.
He further noted that the protection of these road users is now a formal tenet under the African Road Safety Charter, which officially came into force on March 12, 2026.
Following the formal briefing, the event transitioned from advocacy to action. The Sector Commander led a contingent of officers, Special Marshals, and NYSC members on a 6-kilometer bicycle ride from the Command office to the Lafiyawo Trailer Park and back.
The ride served as a practical demonstration of the feasibility of cycling as a primary mode of transit and a visible endorsement of safe road-sharing practices.
Representatives of the Special Marshals and NYSC expressed their full support for the initiative, pledging to continue advocating for cycling safety and infrastructure within their respective networks to ensure that Gombe’s roads remain safe for all users.
The event served as both a celebration of non-motorized transport and a strategic push to enhance road safety awareness under the newly enacted African Road Safety Charter.
The commemoration drew a diverse group of participants, including officers, marshals, members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and representatives of the Special Marshals.
The initiative underscored the FRSC’s dedication to fostering safer, healthier, and more environmentally friendly transportation alternatives in urban centers.