Lagos Closes Roads for 170km Cycling Race Sunday

Lagos is proving that even Africa's most congested megacity can make room for bicycles.

This Sunday, January 11, the Lagos Gran Fondo "Eko 170" cycling race will take over major roads from 5 am to 2 pm, with two routes designed to showcase the city's coastal beauty. The 170-kilometer main route starts at the gleaming Eko Atlantic development and winds through neighborhoods like Lekki, Sangotedo, and Epe before looping back.

Transportation Commissioner Oluwaseun Osiyemi announced that Lagos State Traffic Management Authority will regulate all intersections along the race routes. Roads will stay partially open, but drivers should expect delays and cooperate with traffic officials stationed throughout the course.

The shorter 70-kilometer option follows the same scenic coastal path before turning back at Abraham Adesanya Junction. Both routes highlight Lagos's modern infrastructure and waterfront areas, giving participants a rare chance to experience the city's roads without the usual gridlock.

Dynastar Sport and Education Foundation organized the mass participation event to promote sports tourism and sustainable mobility. Lagos sees over 1,000 road accidents monthly, making initiatives that encourage cycling and pedestrian-friendly streets increasingly important for the city's 15 million residents.

The Ripple Effect

Beyond Sunday's race, this event signals Lagos's growing commitment to alternative transportation. The city has struggled with legendary traffic congestion, but recent infrastructure projects show officials recognizing that cars alone won't solve mobility challenges.

By temporarily prioritizing cyclists over vehicles, Lagos joins cities worldwide that regularly host car-free days and cycling events. These gatherings do more than promote fitness. They demonstrate what urban spaces could look like with less automobile dominance and inspire residents to imagine different ways of moving through their city.

The race also boosts sports tourism, drawing participants who will spend money at local businesses and share their experiences of Lagos beyond typical narratives. When a city known for traffic jams successfully hosts a 170-kilometer cycling event, it challenges assumptions about what's possible in rapidly growing African cities.

This Sunday, hundreds of cyclists will pedal past construction cranes, coastal communities, and cultural landmarks, proving Lagos can adapt its streets for people-powered transportation.