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Pedal your way to health: 2 new cycle tracks in Dubai

Dubai - Cycling enthusiasts in Dubai told Khaleej Times they're ecstatic over the new tracks.

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Cycling has finally come of age in Dubai. Following the footsteps of advanced nations that focus on raising the rate of trips made by walking and cycling, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has endorsed a contract for constructing two cycling and running tracks in the Warqaa, Mushrif, Mirdif, Mizhar and Khawaneej areas.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, said the tracks extend 57km and cost about Dh79 million. The tracks will be constructed over the next 12 months.

Where you can cycle in Dubai> Nad Al Sheba 23km > Al Qudra 86km > Dubai Autodrome Circuit 2.5km > Jumeirah Open Beach 2km > Meydan Sobha District One 8.4km

"The project is in implementation of the instructions of Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, to provide suitable options to encourage residents to practise sport and cycling," he said.
Cycling enthusiasts in Dubai told Khaleej Times they're ecstatic over the new tracks. "Usually, I have to drive all the way to Al Qudra to get a good cycling track ... However, with the five new tracks I can cycle on weekdays as well," said Zimbabwean cycling enthusiast and four-time iron man Roy Dixon.
The first project covers the construction of a cycling and running route extending 32km in the Mushrif, Mirdif, Mizhar and Khawaneej areas. This is in addition to three bridges for the combined use of cyclists and pedestrians in Al Khawaneej at a cost of Dh52 million, said Al Tayer.
"The other project covers the construction of cycling and running tracks spanning 25km in Warqaa along with a bridge for the combined use of cyclists and pedestrians on the Tripoli Road at a cost of Dh27 million.
"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 ensures safety and security of cyclists," explained Al Tayer.
The RTA had 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 on 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, Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Al Barari and up to Nad Al Sheba.
The 115 km-long cycling tracks in Seih Assalam includes several public utilities, outlets for renting bikes and accessories, a fully equipped medical clinic, and 10 rest points along the biking lane fitted with seats and bike racks.
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com