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Dubai's RTA announces speed limits for cycles

Dubai - The RTA will intensify enforcement measures.

Published: Mon 1 Feb 2021, 2:02 PM

Updated: Mon 1 Feb 2021, 2:08 PM

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(Supplied photo)

(Supplied photo)

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced speed limits for cyclists. These range from 30km/h on dedicated lanes for amateurs to 20km/h on lanes shared with pedestrians in urban areas.

The step stems from the RTA’s keenness to ensure the safety of cyclists in collaboration with the Dubai Police.

Maitha bin Adai, CEO of Traffic and Roads Agency, RTA, said: “The objective of setting a speed cap for cycles on dedicated tracks is to ensure that legislations ... are aligned with the government’s policies to make cycling a lifestyle in Dubai. It also responds to the fast growth in the use of cycles as a modern sportive mobility means compatible with the environmental standard to promote sound health and sports practices.”

The RTA conducted studies to set the speed limits. “The studies were based on some technical criteria, such as the land usage around cycling tracks, the number of entry/exit points, and the nature of the track in terms of width, design and the classification of nearby roads.”

30km/h tracks

The RTA has set a maximum speed limit of 30km/h on lanes dedicated to the use of amateurs, such as the cycling tracks at Nad El Sheba and Meydan as well as the joint tracks at Al Qusais, Al Karama and Al Mankhool.

20km/h

The speed was set as 20km/h on lanes within urban areas.

No speed limit

There is no speed limit for cyclists on external tracks such as Seih Assalam and Al Qudra.

Safety call

Cyclists are urged to comply with the safety stipulations of these tracks.

Brigadier Saif Muhair Al Mazroui, Director of the General Directorate of Traffic at Dubai Police, said the RTA would intensify enforcement measures on violators.

He called for taking the required safety measures when riding these mobility means. These include observing the traffic law; wearing a standard helmet and reflective jacket; installing a bright, white and reflective light at the front; and a bright, red and reflective light at the rear. The cycle must be fitted with proper brakes.

Bin Adai said: “The RTA is keen to make Dubai one of the best cycle-friendly cities in the world. The realisation of this objective warrants developing and improving the infrastructure of cycling as well as the legislations that encourage people to use cycles as safe and sportive means of mobility around the city.”

As at the end of 2020, cycling lanes in Dubai extend 425km. This is expected to reach 668km by 2025.



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