Cycling tracks for 5 Dubai residential areas: Yours on list?

Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has endorsed awarding a contract for constructing two cycling and running tracks projects at Warqaa, Mushrif, Mirdif, Mizhar and Khawaneej.

The tracks, which extend 57km and cost about Dh79 million, will be constructed during a 12-month period.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, said, “The construction of the dedicated cycling and running tracks projects in Dubai aims to provide suitable options to encourage residents to practise sport and cycling.

"It also ensures that the infrastructure of residential districts is conducive to the practising of sport as it has immense health benefits for community members. The project is part of a master plan developed by RTA for providing dedicated cycling and running tracks covering the entire emirate to be environment-friendly mobility means for cycling enthusiasts. Advanced countries focus on raising the rate of trips made by walking and cycling.”

(Wam)

The first project covers the construction of a cycling and running route extending 32km at Mushrif, Mirdif, Mizhar and Khawaneej along with three bridges for the combined use of cyclists and pedestrians at Al Khawaneej at a cost of Dh52 million.

"The other project covers the construction of cycling and running tracks spanning 25 km at Warqaa along with a bridge for the combined use of cyclists and pedestrians at Tripoli Road at a cost of Dh27 million,” he added.

These districts were selected on the basis of several perimeters highlighted by population density, attractiveness to cyclists, surrounding areas, suitability of locations and existing obstacles, traffic safety, and appeal to pedestrians. Moreover, lanes have been designed in such a way that provides safety and security of cyclists,” explained Al Tayer.

Opening of Seih Assalam – Nad Al Sheba Track

RTA recently opened the Dubai Cycling Track (Seih Assalam – Nad Al Sheba) stretching about 23km. The project links with the existing cycling lane of Seih Assalam at Al Qudra Road (at the Gate of the Dubai Cycling Track), and extends further in the direction of the Emirates Road, Latifa bint Hamdan Road, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Al Barari and up to Nad Al Sheba. The 115 km-long cycling tracks at Seih Assalam includes several public utilities, outlets for renting bikes and accessories, a fully equipped medical clinic, and 10 rest points all along the biking lane fitted with seats and bike racks.

“In 2008, RTA developed a Cycling Master Plan that included charting out routes for bikes whether within the rights-of-way or in separate lanes. The plan detailed the standards of separating cycling tracks from pedestrian pathways, and addressed cycling tracks at intersection points. It also covered the provision of biking racks in general and at the public transport stations in particular, cycling lanes in entertainment areas, materials to be used in the construction of routes, and related signage for bikes and tracks,” said Al Tayer.

“Over the past years, RTA had constructed biking lanes extending more than 178 km. This includes 115 km at Seih Assalam and Al Qudra Road, 17 km at Jumeirah Road, 11 km at the central area of Bur Dubai, and various other districts as well as nearby metro and tram stations. Additionally, RTA is currently undertaking a project for linking the cycling lanes at Seih Assalam, Nad Al Sheba involving the construction of 23 km-long cycling lanes. It has also completed a project for allocating bike racks at stations of the Red and Green lines of the Metro as well as the Dubai Tram stations,” he said.
 

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