Dubai cycle paths prompt call for safety training

Safety campaigns highlighting respect for cyclists are vital ahead of the construction of a new cycle path network later this year.

Emma Woodcock says a campaign is needed among drivers to promote awareness of cyclists. Antonie Robertson / The National

DUBAI // Safety campaigns highlighting respect for cyclists are vital ahead of the construction of a new cycling path network, according to experts.

Safe riding campaigns need to be organised in communities that are to be connected with bike paths to parks and malls to encourage riders and motorists to follow basic safety standards.

Wearing helmets, strapping on lights at night, driving cars slowly in community areas and staying clear of cyclists are just some safety measures required, they say.

“It’s important to emphasise rules and regulations of cycling along with any programme to encourage active lifestyles,” said Julie Audette, co-founder of The Movement bicycle shop.

“When cities grow and become cyclist-friendly, it brings many positives. The new paths will offer the infrastructure and facilities required to practise a safe sport. Mandatory wearing of a helmet will help create a safe environment.

“We support any rules to encourage a safer environment for cyclists.”

The shop will be offer free riding lessons from October to build awareness.

“In England, there is an awareness of bicycles on roads, but here taxis pull out too quickly from exits and it’s not safe to ride around some communities,” said Emma Woodcock, founder of Velo Vixens, an all-woman cycling group.

“The authorities have done an amazing job on cycle tracks and imposed speed limits but some roads are still not safe. Children should be able to cycle to school, and if cycle paths are respected it will be fine. It will be amazing to have an awareness campaign for drivers in all languages.”

Last year, one person was killed and 24 sustained injuries in accidents involving cyclists, according to Dubai Police.

In April, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) banned bikes from roads where speed limits exceed 60 kph. The authority said it would deliver 900km of cycle paths by 2020 with community tracks linked to neighbourhood malls, parks beaches, tram and metro stations.

Cycling paths linking Jumeirah and Al Barsha neighbourhoods to stores and public transport units, constructing bike lanes along tram routes in Dubai Marina and Al Sufouh are expected to be finished this year. More than 150km of paths have already been constructed to promote cycling as a hobby.

In December, work began on the 21.2km Dubai Cycling Track project and is scheduled to be completed by the end of this month, said Maitha bin Udai, chief executive of the RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency.

The Dh32 million track will connect the Al Qudra cycle track to the Nad Al Sheba circuit.

Emirati cyclists welcomed the new paths.

“Emirati youth are picking up on this trend of sports and outdoor experiences. Season by season we will see more Emiratis on the roads,” said Roudha Al Awadhi, co-founder of UAE Cycling Girls, a group of mostly Emirati cyclists.

“The more we see of this, the more it will inspire others. It will also improve people’s awareness about safety and rules. It will also be very interesting to see dedicated cycling lanes within the city hub. Once cycling becomes a means of transportation, we can use it from houses to shops and that will increase its role as a sustainable and healthy mode of transport.”