Bicycle riders in Gombe State have been warned by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to refrain from racing cars on the roads in order to avert potentially catastrophic collisions.
This warning was given by Mr. Felix Theman, the Gombe FRSC Sector Commander, in a Tuesday interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lafiyawo, Akko LGA, Gombe State.
Theman noted that although bicycles are a part of the traffic system and its users have the same rights as other road users, they must refrain from any behaviour that can lead to an altercation on the roadways.
Competing with other automobiles and vehicles on the road, in his opinion, can lead to conflicts that could end in crashes and deaths.
He stated that it was a matter of concern that some bicyclists, particularly children, have been seen to occasionally race with automobiles. As a result, he said, riders should be extremely cautious.
He noted that the roads are not built for competition, and that is why the FRSC has been emphasizing the need for bicycle riders not to compete with motorcycles and vehicles. He advised them to ensure that they ride by the extreme right and not have any reason to be in the middle of the road.
Theman added that bicycle users must avoid riding at night since bicycles do not have lights, as it is dangerous, especially for children, when used on main roads.
“If children must ride bicycles, they must use it within their neighbourhood where traffic activities are lower and risk of a crash is also low,” he said.
According to Theman, his staff has been visiting Gombe metropolitan schools to raise awareness among students about riding bicycles safely.
When buying bicycles for their children, he recommended parents to always get helmets and other safety gear, saying that this would increase the security of children when riding.
In order to protect their safety, the sector commander also advised bicyclists not to ride in the left lane.
