Dubai Expands Cycling Network With Two New Tracks In Key Residential Areas
In a significant step towards enhancing Dubai's infrastructure for cyclists, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has recently inaugurated new cycling tracks in Al Khawaneej and Mushrif. This addition spans 7 km, connecting seamlessly with the pre-existing 32 km of tracks in these areas, thus extending the total cycling track length to 39 km in these residential locales. The timing of this launch is particularly noteworthy, coinciding with the onset of the Holy Month of Ramadan, a period that sees a spike in outdoor physical activities, including cycling.
Under the guidance of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, this initiative is a stride towards transforming Dubai into a bicycle-friendly metropolis. Mattar Al Tayer, the Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at RTA, emphasised the alignment of this project with the Dubai Urban Plan 2040, which aims to make Dubai the premier city for living worldwide. This expansion is part of a broader Master Plan by the RTA to construct dedicated tracks for walking and cycling across Dubai, encouraging residents and visitors to partake in sports and leisure activities, thereby elevating the quality of life.
Detailing the specifics, Al Tayer shared, "The first of the new cycling tracks starts at the Qur'anic Park, situated on Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street, and extends to intersect with Al Khawaneej Street. A vital connection is made across the street via a combined pedestrian and cyclists bridge on Al Khawaneej Street to the existing cycling track. The second track originates at Mushrif Park, adjacent to Crocodile Park, and stretches to meet Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street. It then proceeds northward along the street, crossing Al Khawaneej Street through a bridge designed for pedestrians and cyclists on Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street, ultimately connecting with the Al Khawaneej cycling track."
The vision behind these new tracks is to weave a comprehensive network that links the key districts of Dubai, aiming to extend the total length of cycling tracks from the current 544 km to an ambitious 1,000 km by the year 2030. This network will include connections between major coastal areas like Jumeirah, Al Sufouh, and Marina to external tracks in Al Qudra, Saih Al Salam, and Nad Al Sheba via districts such as Al Barsha, Dubai Hills, and Nad Al Sheba.
Top Standards Maintained
Al Tayer also highlighted the meticulous attention to international standards, specifications, and technical guidelines during the design and construction phases of the cycling tracks. These standards consider the unique characteristics of each area and the classification of tracks, ensuring a safe and enjoyable cycling experience. These efforts aim to promote cycling as a sustainable and alternative mode of transportation, facilitating seamless first and last-mile journeys.
In a bid to ensure the safety of all users, RTA has established specific speed limits across the cycling tracks in Dubai. Tracks dedicated to amateur sports cyclists, as well as those shared with vehicles on safe roads, have a speed limit of 30 km/h. A reduced limit of 20 km/h is applied to tracks designated or shared with pedestrians in urban areas. Furthermore, training tracks across the city permit cyclists to ride at unlimited speeds, demonstrating RTA's commitment to safeguarding both pedestrians and cyclists.
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