Cyclists need better facilities

Readers urge the authorities to do more to make the UAE a cyclist-friendly country. Other topics: terrorism, drugs

Readers urge the authorities to make the UAE more bicycle friendly. Ravindranath K / The National

I enjoyed watching the cycling video, Navigating through Abu Dhabi on a cycle (September 28).

I’m an avid cyclist. I leave home early and work late – a 12-hour day – in order to avoid traffic, which seems like a big sacrifice just to cycle to work.

Jeffrey Martin, Abu Dhabi

While making the country more cycling friendly, I hope the authorities will build adequate areas to park bicycles (Cyclists gearing up for pedal-powered revolution across the UAE, September 28). They should be equipped with CCTV. I had my cycle stolen twice.

Leonard Raf Peñano Paracha, Philippines

There are nice new paths in Khalifa City B. However, they have kerbs at each road crossing, making them useless for cycling.

Jen Bishop, Abu Dhabi

Cycling in the UAE is a risky business. But after the new plan is implemented, many people should be able to commute by cycle safely, which will be great. This will not only mean less pollution, but a cycle-friendly city that will help people to stay fit and avoid spending on fuel or taxis. With a few kilometres of cycling in this hot weather, who needs to visit the gym?

Peter Dominic, Abu Dhabi

It’s never too late to change oneself for the better

It isn't easy for an individual to come out openly about his past, especially when it is so bitter and miserable as that of Mohammed Al Baloushi (Former drug lord warns of the perils of using, smuggling and dealing, September 28).

While it is sad that by the age of 25 he had become a drug dealer and smuggler, the good thing is that he managed to overcome the temptation of going back into the world of drugs once he was freed from prison. To be able to fight off his own desires and greed is his greatest victory. His life journey is an inspiration to those involved in the abuse of drugs and alcohol. It is never too late to change oneself for the better.

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah

The ignorant attitude of those who take or smuggle drugs creates a major barrier for tackling this menace. These people usually do not consider the consequences when they get involved with such activities. So it’s crucial to understand why those people resort to such behaviour. Apart from that, exemplary punishments to drug dealers can help fight this problem to some extent.

Fawzi Eyad, Libya

I hope Mr Al Baloushi’s experience will deter many of those thinking of using drugs or dealing in them.

Salama, Dubai

UAE’s approach to terrorism laudable

I enjoyed reading Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid's opinion article Military containment is only a partial solution to ISIL's evil (September 28). Very well said. I thank God for giving us a leader like him.

Dennis Araniego, Dubai

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid’s views on terrorism prove why the UAE is seen by everyone as the most tolerant and progressive country in the region. It’s about time more Arabs and Muslims thought this way. Anyone who tolerates ISIL projects himself to be ignorant, small-minded and useless as a human being. We must all try to understand Sheikh Mohammed’s message. There is no place for groups such as ISIL on Earth.

Trevor Llewellyn Evans, Dubai

Sheikh Mohammed is 100 per cent correct. A lot more needs to be done to rid this world of ISIL.

Dirk Rossey, Dubai

It is because of the leaders like Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid that millions of people feel so safe and secure in the UAE. This country offers a great example of tolerance. It tries to give everything to its citizens and residents so that they can live in peace. So it’s not the country’s leaders alone who should be bothered about ISIL and other terrorist groups, but every individual in the UAE should denounce terrorist organisations and their principles.

Name withheld by request