By Precious Owolabi, Ado-Ekiti

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ekiti State Command, has urged governments at all levels to incorporate lanes for pedestrians and cyclists in the early stages of road construction planning to help prevent accidents.

According to the command, this initiative would also encourage more residents to adopt walking and cycling as alternative means of transportation.

The Ekiti State Sector Commander, CC Sanya Adeoye, made the appeal on Monday at the command’s headquarters during the flag-off of the 2025 United Nations Global Road Safety Week.

The week-long event, themed “Streets for Life: Make Walking Safe, Make Cycling Safe,” aims to raise awareness among road users about the importance of giving proper consideration to non-motorised road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.

Adeoye noted that the state has recorded a reduction in road crashes since his assumption of office and reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to upholding citizens’ fundamental rights.

He stated, “In line with the theme, we will intensify sensitisation efforts to ensure that motorised road users recognise the rights and safety of pedestrians and cyclists. These non-motorised road users deserve safe access and protection on our roads.
“Safety is a shared responsibility.

“We must all treat it as a personal concern by respecting and accommodating the safety needs of fellow road users to reduce crashes.”

He also highlighted the health benefits of walking, saying, “Medical experts recommend walking for at least 30 minutes daily to improve cardiovascular health, relieve stress, and burn calories. Walking is not only healthy but also cost-effective.”

Adeoye further appealed to government authorities to ensure the inclusion of pedestrian and cyclist lanes in road construction blueprints, emphasizing that such provisions would enhance safety and promote healthier, more economical transportation choices.

As part of the activities for the week, the command paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, to seek his royal support and blessings.

In his response, Oba Adejugbe pledged his support to the command and urged its leadership to prioritise the protection of citizens’ rights.