Source: www.rta.ae
The Board of Directors of the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), chaired by H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA, has recently approved a plan to construct Cycling Tracks stretching 52 km across 11 residential districts in Dubai at a cost of about Dhs40m.
“The construction of the cycling tracks is part of a master plan developed by the RTA to provide dedicated cycling spanning the entire Dubai Emirate in a bid to encourage the use of bikes as an environment-friendly transit means, as well as for the benefit of cycling enthusiasts. It also comes in implementation of RTA’s vision of Safe & Smooth Transport for All as the advanced countries are focusing on raising the proportion of pedestrian & cycling travels since they involve traffic, health and environmental benefits,” said Al Tayer.
He continued: “The Cycling Tracks Plan 2013-2016 covers Al Barsha, Al Khawaneej, Al Warqa, Al Qouz, Al Safouh Road, Al Mamzar Park, Mushrif Park, Hor Al Anz East, and Mirdif. The selection of these districts was based on a number of parameters including the tourist and aesthetic nature of the area and its attraction to cyclists and residents of the neighbourhood, serving the metro and public transport stations, serving residents and visitors of neighboring areas, suitability of the site & obstacles in place, traffic safety, and the appeal to pedestrians. The design of the track was tailored to ensure the security and safety of bikers.”
“In 2008 the RTA developed a Cycling Master Plan that included charting routes for bikes within the rights-of-way as well as separate lanes. The Plan detailed the specifications & standards of separating cycling tracks from pedestrian pathways, and addressed the intersection points with cycling tracks, provision of biking racks in general and at the public transport stations in particular, cycling lanes in entertainment areas, materials to be used in the construction of cycling tracks, and the signage for bikes and tracks,” elaborated Al Tayer.
