RTA to extend cycling tracks to 52km by 2016

The authority has linked The Dubai Mall and the surrounding area with several facilities for renting bicycles; and it organises sporting events like the Dubai Tour to poularise cycling.

Dubai will offer cycling enthusiasts a chance to explore its wonders by extending its cycling tracks. The tracks promise an all-round experience — from location to highest safety standards and design. Cycling enthusiasts will be able to glide through the city enjoying easy access to metro stations, restaurants, hotels, event venues and beaches.

The move aims to encourage cycling as a sport, a way of life, and boost tourism and the use of public transport system.

Adding to the existing tracks, which extend over 120km, a number of new cycling tracks are being prepared across residential and touristic areas in Dubai.

With an estimated cost of Dh40 million, the plan is to roll out cycling tracks extending over an estimated length of 52km in 11 residential areas by 2016.

Spread across the Dubai City Centre, bicycles are available for rent to use on dedicated tracks. In addition to the bicycles, equipment, clothes and emergency kits are also available.

A clinic fully equipped to serve a 75km cycling track in Seih Al Salam has been set up to attend to emergency cases.

Fly away, discover

The plan to boost cycling activities in Dubai opens doors to a new experience rarely found in busy cities. A trend to focus on sustainability and a rich touristic experience drives the vision Dubai has adopted to meet the needs of cyclists.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the entity responsible for the project, has laid plans to connect tourist attraction sites such as public parks and shopping centres to cycling tracks.

Dubai’s sustainability drive plans to incorporate healthy lifestyles into everyday activities throughout the city with aims to add quality to the life of residents and visitors. The plans also fall in line with Dubai’s master plan to present an unforgettable World Expo in 2020 as it prepares to welcome 20 million tourists.

Ease of access

Many elements were taken into consideration while choosing the location for the planned cycling tracks. The most important aspects taken into consideration were the touristic value of the location, suitability of the area for cycling, proximity to metro stations and public transportation, safety and easy access to different service facilities.

The central Bur Dubai area already has cycling tracks with a length of 4.5km.

In Jumeirah, the RTA has completed the designs of four tracks that connect Jumeirah Road to four metro stations on Shaikh Zayed Road. The RTA has also built dedicated parking spaces for bicycles around metro stations across Dubai.

The RTA has linked The Dubai Mall and the area surrounding it with numerous facilities for renting bicycles.

Tourists and residents can rent bicycles for periods extending from 30 minutes to 24 hours, allowing people to explore the unique architectural elements of the area that is home to the world’s tallest skyscraper and the Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard

Dubai wants to encourage the use of public transportation to alleviate traffic congestion. In addition, the move will undoubtedly boost tourism and provide a platform for holding sporting events on an international scale.

Considered the largest cycling event in the Middle East, the Dubai Tour saw the participation of 14 teams from across the world. The emirate also launched the Nad Al Sheba Cycling Race and the Flag-to-Flag marathon held under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, on the occasion of the 42nd National Day celebrations.

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