The Centre for Environmental Studies and Sustainable Development (CESSED) at Lagos State University has called for greater adoption of low-impact transportation models, such as bicycles, for short trips of less than five kilometres. In a statement issued yesterday to mark the 2026 World Bicycle Day, the Centre highlighted that if more short journeys of five kilometres or less are made by bike instead of by car, cities could significantly reduce transport-related carbon dioxide emissions and air pollutants like nitrogen oxides and PM2.5, a particulate matter that can penetrate the lungs.
Cycling for a Greener Future
Under the theme 'Cycling for a Greener Future,' CESSED emphasized that the bicycle is one of the simplest and most effective tools for environmental change. Every kilometre cycled instead of driven cuts carbon emissions and air pollutants at the source. World Bicycle Day, a global observance declared by the United Nations, recognizes the bicycle as a reliable, affordable, clean, and sustainable means of transportation.
Health and Environmental Benefits
The statement noted that the Day celebrates the bicycle's role in improving health, reducing pollution, supporting mobility, and connecting communities. It is a celebration of low-impact living. The Centre argued that cycling for a greener future is particularly fitting as cities face rising temperatures, air pollution, and traffic congestion. A bicycle runs on human power, requiring no fuel, producing no tailpipe emissions, and generating no particulate pollution.
Long-Term Sustainability
A well-maintained bicycle can last decades with minimal parts replacement, unlike the lifecycle of a car, leading to substantial resource savings. The goal, according to the Centre, is not to eliminate cars overnight but to normalize the bicycle as a viable, everyday choice for short trips. Each ride replaces a motorized trip, and collectively, this ensures cleaner air, quieter streets, and lower carbon emissions.
