The Lagos State Government has announced temporary traffic diversions ahead of the Tour de Nigeria Cycling Race scheduled to take place on Sunday between 7am and 11am.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, who explained that the adjustments were necessary to ensure a smooth and safe event for participants and road users.
The 60 kilometre cycling race is being organised by Cycology Riding Club in partnership with Itel Nigeria and will begin at Dolphin Loop before covering several major routes in the state. The race route includes Osborne Road, Ring Road, the Third Mainland Bridge, Iyana Oworo, Gbagada Expressway, Oshodi Oke and the MMIA Underbridge which serves as the turning point back to the finish line in Dolphin Estate.
Osiyemi advised motorists heading from Ikeja to Victoria Island to make use of Ikorodu Road through Funsho Williams Avenue and connect to the Island via Eko Bridge. He also appealed to motorists coming from Mowe or the Lagos Ibadan Expressway to use the Ojota Slip Road to link Ikorodu Road and continue through Funsho Williams Avenue en route to the Island.
Although the Third Mainland Bridge will not be shut down during the event, vehicular movement will be controlled to allow cyclists proceed safely. Motorists will be allowed to pass at intervals and side roads will also be opened intermittently depending on the movement of the cyclists and the stage of the race.
The Commissioner assured residents that traffic officers from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority and officers of the Nigeria Police Force will be stationed at strategic points along the race route to manage traffic flow and ensure public safety. He stated that “no road will be completely closed” as the government aims to minimise inconvenience to the public.
The Lagos State Government added that the Tour de Nigeria Cycling Race is part of ongoing efforts to encourage healthy living, promote sports tourism and build a stronger cycling culture in Lagos. The state further expressed its commitment to hosting more international standard sporting events to boost the city’s image and economy.