OYSSC, FRSC, AND LAPET FEATS CELEBRATE WORLD BICYCLE DAY IN GRAND STYLE

Over 100 Cyclists Participate in 25km Ride Across Ibadan to Promote Healthy Living, Road Safety, and Environmental Sustainability.

The Oyo State Sports Council (OYSSC), in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Lapet Feats, today joined the global community in celebrating the 2026 World Bicycle Day with a colourful and highly successful cycling event in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The celebration attracted more than 100 cyclists from different clubs, associations, and communities across the state, reaffirming the growing popularity of cycling as a sport, a healthy lifestyle activity, and a sustainable means of transportation.

World Bicycle Day, celebrated annually on June 3, was officially proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in April 2018. The observance recognizes the bicycle as a simple, affordable, reliable, clean, and environmentally friendly means of transportation that contributes significantly to sustainable development. The day also serves as a platform to promote healthy living, physical fitness, social inclusion, and environmental protection.

This year's event in Ibadan marked another successful edition of the celebration and highlighted the collective commitment of stakeholders to encouraging cycling culture within Oyo State and beyond.

The cycling exercise commenced from the Federal Road Safety Corps Headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan, where participants assembled in the early hours of the day. After a brief safety briefing conducted by officials of the FRSC, the cyclists embarked on a 25-kilometre ride through major routes within the city, passing through Mokola, Sango, Oke-Itunu, and Sabo before arriving at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba.

Throughout the route, residents and road users watched with admiration as the cyclists demonstrated discipline, endurance, and teamwork while promoting the message of road safety and environmental consciousness.

The participation of the Federal Road Safety Corps underscored the importance of creating safer roads for cyclists and other vulnerable road users. The Corps used the occasion to educate participants and members of the public on responsible road usage, adherence to traffic regulations, and the need for mutual respect among all categories of road users.

Upon arrival at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, the cyclists received a warm welcome from the management team of the Oyo State Sports Council led by the General Manager, Mr. Tunde Ajibike, alongside directors and senior officials of the Council.

Mr. Ajibike commended the cyclists for their enthusiasm, resilience, and commitment to promoting cycling in Oyo State. He described the event as a significant platform for encouraging healthy living and strengthening the state's sporting culture.

According to him, cycling remains one of the most effective and accessible forms of exercise, capable of improving physical fitness, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. He stressed the need for more people, especially young people, to embrace cycling both as a recreational activity and as a competitive sport.

Mr. Ajibike, who also serves as the South-West Zonal Representative for Cycling Federation of Nigeria, reaffirmed his commitment to the continued development of cycling across the region. He emphasized that collaboration among government agencies, sports administrators, private organizations, and cycling enthusiasts would play a critical role in advancing the sport and creating opportunities for athletes to excel at national and international levels.

He further noted that the Oyo State Sports Council remains committed to discovering and nurturing talented cyclists who can represent the state and the nation with distinction in future competitions.

The General Manager also expressed appreciation to the Federal Road Safety Corps, Lapet Feats, cycling clubs, volunteers, and all stakeholders whose support contributed to the success of the event. He encouraged participants to continue serving as ambassadors of road safety, healthy living, and environmental sustainability within their communities.

The event concluded with goodwill messages, networking sessions, group photographs, and celebrations among participants. Many cyclists described the experience as inspiring and called for greater investment in cycling infrastructure, awareness campaigns, and regular cycling activities across the state.

As the world continues to seek sustainable solutions to transportation, public health, and environmental challenges, the celebration of World Bicycle Day remains a reminder of the important role bicycles play in creating healthier individuals, safer communities, and a greener future.

The Oyo State Sports Council remains dedicated to promoting sports development, youth engagement, and healthy lifestyles through programmes and initiatives that positively impact the lives of citizens across the state.