53 kilometres of new cycling and running tracks in Abu Dhabi are almost halfway finished

The Dh100 million project spans 28 locations

The Abu Dhabi City Municipality announced a 45 per cent completion of a project to extend the scope of the capital's running and cycling tracks. WAM

Abu Dhabi is well on track to becoming a fitness-friendly city, with Dh100 million worth of cycling and running trails now 45 per cent complete.

The cycling tracks will stretch over 14.12 kilometres, while the walking and jogging lanes will take up 39.31km across 28 locations on both Abu Dhabi island and the mainland.

On Saturday, April 11, the Abu Dhabi City Municipality (ADM) announced the trails are nearly half complete, with Wam reporting that ADM is also planning to landscape and shade the areas surrounding the tracks to enhance their appearance, plus provide dedicated crossing areas so users can enter and exit the tracks safely.

The project works include a bicycle path in Shakhbout Bin Sultan Street, a bicycle path and jogging track on Arabian Gulf Street, a path to connect bicycle lanes between Arab Gulf Street and Sheikh Zayed Street, and a bicycle and jogging track on Arabian Gulf Street, aka the Fintair Walkway (the project also includes rehabilitation of the running paths that are already in place there).

Bike tracks and jogging trails aside, the project will also mean 145 rest and multiple exercise areas fitted out with equipment, including high-quality rubber tracks. The aim is not only to get residents moving and hence more fit, but also to promote walking and cycling as modes of eco-friendly transportation.

Earlier this year, the capital launched the highly anticipated Jubail Mangrove Park, dominated by a 2km boardwalk to attract both nature lovers and fitness buffs. "Some people might want to take a brisk walk, some would want a leisurely stroll and there will be people coming in to take pictures as this is a photographer's paradise," a ranger told The National. 

Abu Dhabi Corniche, Yas Marina Circuit and Umm Al Emarat Park are some other areas where residents can enjoy a daily dose of exercise and fresh air: that is, once the coronavirus pandemic passes us by.

In that sense, the announcement by ADM gives self-isolating residents something to look forward to, although it's not entirely clear when the latest set of running and cycling tracks will open.

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Read more:

Jubail Mangrove Park: everything you need to know from parking to location

How to create a home workout space without spending a fortune

Dubai residents urged to get on their exercise bikes in fitness challenge

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