New Dubai cycle track is 70 per cent complete

The Al Qudra track near Bab Al Shams is being added to in an initiative to get more people on bikes. Antonie Robertson / The National

DUBAI // Construction of the sections of Dubai Cycling Track at Seih Assalam and Nad Al Sheba is now 70 per cent complete, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said.

The track, an extension of the Al Qudra project, is due for completion in October.

Mattar Al Tayer, director general of the RTA, said: “The cycling path at Seih Assalam includes the gate of the Dubai Cycling Track, 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 racks.”

The aim is to help grow the sport of cycling in addition to incentivising people to take public transport and alternative transportation such as cycling, according to the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

It is also part of the RTA’s plan for the provision of dedicated cycling lanes spanning the entire emirate to be used as an environment-friendly means of transport or practising sport.

So far, the RTA has constructed cycle tracks extending more than 178 kilometres.

This includes 115km of track at Seih Assalam and Al Qudra Road, 17km at Jumeirah Road, 1.4km at Street 7 – linking Jumeirah Road with Al Mankhool Road – 11km at the central area of Bur Dubai, 1.6km at the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station, 1.9km at Al Rigga Metro Station, 3.5km at Al Quoz Residential Area 3, and 4km at Nad El Sheba.

Still to come is a cycling path at the Marina that will help to serve Dubai Tram users.

The RTA has also provided bike racks at the Metro stations of both the Red and Green lines.