UCI Mobility And Bike City Forum 2024 Begins In Abu Dhabi To Promote Sustainable Cycling Initiatives

The UCI Mobility and Bike City Forum 2024 commenced in Abu Dhabi, marking its first appearance in Asia. This event gathered cycling specialists globally. Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, emphasised the Forum's role in enhancing Abu Dhabi's image as a modern, sustainable capital. He highlighted its importance in promoting biodiversity awareness and the use of recyclable materials.

Al Awani noted that hosting the seventh session of the Forum in Abu Dhabi is significant. In 2021, Abu Dhabi was named "Bike City," becoming the first city in the Middle East and Asia to receive this title. This recognition underscores the Forum's value as a platform for sharing experiences and reviewing global best practices.

Al Awani also discussed Abu Dhabi’s sporting milestones. These include securing hosting rights for the UCI Road World Championships 2028 and UCI Track World Championships 2029. The city is also preparing for the third UAE Tour Women and seventh UAE Tour next February. By 2028, Abu Dhabi's cycling path network will exceed 1,000 kilometres, boosting urban mobility and public health.

David Lappartient, President of the International Cycling Union, praised Abu Dhabi’s pioneering support for cycling. He attributed this to their advanced infrastructure and strong government backing. "The International Cycling Union enjoys close and high-level relations with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council," he stated, highlighting collaboration with local authorities to accelerate progress.

Safiya Al Sayegh, a member of the UAE National Cycling Team and first professional Emirati female cyclist, shared her pride in representing her country internationally. She discussed her journey and challenges from childhood. Moroj Adil, Saudi Arabia's first female cyclist on Liv AlUla Jayco Women’s Continental Team, also shared her experiences during a "Champions roundtable" session attended by world champions like Peter Sagan.

The second session titled "Cycling cities around the world" explored experiences from Rwanda, Japan, and Scotland while assessing future projects in Abu Dhabi. Experts such as Samson Ndayishimiye from Rwanda and Akiko Nagano from Japan participated alongside local representatives like Alnekhaira Al Khyeli from Abu Dhabi Cycling Club.

Global Road Safety Initiatives

Jean Todt, UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety, led a session focusing on enhancing traffic safety worldwide. He showcased his vast experience in sports management to achieve UN goals aimed at reducing road accident-related injuries and fatalities—major global health challenges.

A panel discussion titled "Cycling towards a sustainable future" featured Melissa Moncada of UAE Team ADQ and Mauro Gianetti from UAE Team Emirates among others. They discussed strategies for promoting sustainability within cycling communities globally.

Cycle Tourism Strategies

The day concluded with a session on "Strategies to grow cycle tourism." Speakers included Jill Warren from European Cyclists’ Federation and Qondisa Ngwenya of Cycling South Africa who shared insights into expanding cycle tourism opportunities worldwide.

The Forum continues tomorrow with workshops at Abu Dhabi Cycling Club on Al Hudayriat Island starting at 9:00 am. These sessions aim to promote sustainability culture through specialised workshops including one focused on women’s cycling with UAE Team ADQ.

Participants will also explore cycling infrastructure on Al Hudayriat Island through bike tours covering road cycling circuits along with urban infrastructure visits concluding activities at UCI Urban Cycling World Championships held until December 21st near Nation Towers along Corniche Road.

With inputs from WAM