In the wake of the okada/keke ban, the Lagos traffic situation seems to have become even more butt-numbing. Lagos is overpopulated and the roads need fixing, but we move.
Here are a few ways to avoid getting stuck in Lagos traffic.
Go out early
Lagosians are already used to this one, but we mean that you’ll need to go out earlier. Since the okada/keke ban, you know there’s no quick fix of flying a bike. Make sure you leave earlier than usual because you can’t blame Lagos traffic when you miss out on that life-transforming job interview. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Use traffic radio
I don’t know who invented traffic radio, but may blessings fall on them! Traffic radio is pretty awesome because you can get live reports on the traffic situation, information on the roads to avoid, and sometimes even shortcuts to bypass the traffic. That kind of information is solid gold in Lagos. If you haven’t been using traffic radio before now, just know that you’re missing out on a serious tool to help you avoid traffic.
Look for alternative routes
Have you noticed? Lagos traffic usually is worse on the major roads and highways. Ask around and find out if there are back roads that lead to your destination. You’ll never know.
Let Google (Maps) be your friend
Google Maps is also very useful for avoiding traffic situations. I mean, who wants to spend an hour staring at the same pothole? Google Maps can show you the gravity of traffic on your route, so you can make the decision of taking another route or decide that you’re not going out anymore. Looking at you, Mainland – Island commuters.
Use the ferry
Water transport in Lagos is underrated. It’s fast and even more affordable than road transport. There are a number of ferries that ply routes from the Island to traffic-ridden places like Apapa, Ikorodu, etc.
Use a bicycle
It’s weird how Nigerians tend to look down on cycling. Cycling is very popular in Europe – the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, is popular for riding his bicycle to work when the weather allows. Riding a bicycle has got multiple benefits. It’s a more eco-friendly means of transportation, it helps you stay fit, and yes, it’s easier to bypass traffic when you’re cycling. Just don’t forget to wear a helmet.
Avoid the rush hour
The roads tend to be freer when it’s not the rush hour. If you work a full-time job, you’ll by necessity have to go out at peak traffic times. You could try leaving your home extra early and staying back extra late till traffic has cleared, or ask your boss for permission to leave about 30 minutes earlier. You could also ask for permission to work from home on some days of the week. Otherwise, I commiserate with you and fervently hope that the other tips work for you.
BRTs over danfo
If BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) buses ply your usual route, be sure to use them. BRTs will usually move through their assigned lanes, which helps to avoid the worst of the traffic. It’s more comfortable than regular buses, so that’s a plus.
Get a power bike
Okadas may have been banned, but owning a personal bike is not against the law. Yes, you wanted to buy a car, but you live in Lagos and don’t want to grow old in traffic. With a bike, it’s easier to manouevre through traffic. You also get to look like a total badass ass when you do so.
Move closer to work
This is the answer for everyone who works a 9 – 5 job. There’s only so much traffic you can avoid when you have to go out during rush hour periods. Honestly, for your sanity and peace of mind, find a way to move closer to work. The benefits are priceless. If you’re thinking you can’t afford to move, calculate how much you spend on transport annually and decide if you’d rather spend that amount on house rent.
Leave Lagos
I like to say that traffic is the great denominator in Lagos because everyone gets caught in it eventually. So if you’re tired of Lagos traffic, you could start looking for jobs in more laidback locations like Ogun, Enugu, Abuja, etc. You could also keep an eye out for remote jobs that will let you work from any location.
As much as we try to avoid it, Lagos traffic is disrespectful enough to trap us regardless of our feelings on the matter. In times like this, enjoy music, read a nice book on your device, or just let your thoughts fly.