Today's Edition
HALA AL KHAYYAT (ABU DHABI)
The Emirate of Abu Dhabi plans to increase the cycling routes to more than 3,000 kilometres by 2026 as the Department of Municipalities and Transport, through the municipalities of Abu Dhabi City, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra region, is implementing cycling tracks covering various areas of the emirate.
The goal is to encourage community engagement in cycling sports on dedicated routes and enhance the quality of life. Abu Dhabi has launched one of the region's leading cycling strategies, implementing requirements and regulations over the past years to support cyclists with a focus on safety. Simultaneously, it raises public awareness of its use as a means of transport, rather than just for entertainment and sports activities.
The Integrated Transport Centre, under the Department of Municipalities and Transport, closely collaborates with Abu Dhabi Police and other government and private partners to develop advanced specifications that protect drivers and other road users. Moreover, it invests in cycling infrastructure, including the implementation of dedicated cycling paths in the Emirate.
The currently implemented paths in various regions of the Emirate have gained significant attention from the community, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's status in this regard. The emirate supports efforts to raise awareness of the importance of sports, expand the base of cycling practitioners across different age groups, and increase the number of official competitions and community sports tournaments as well.
Abu Dhabi launched the "Bike Abu Dhabi" initiative, a new enabling platform designed to promote a vibrant cycling community throughout the Emirate. Through this initiative, improvements have been made to the cycling infrastructure, including expanding the cycling network in the Emirate, solidifying its global standing in the field of cycling sports as an activity that combines mobility, health, recreation, and sports.
The network expansion includes the Abu Dhabi Ring Road, which is 109 kilometres long, a separate cycling path connecting key destinations throughout the city, promoting and encouraging Abu Dhabi residents to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
The Department of Municipalities and Transport aims to expand sports and recreational facilities in Abu Dhabi City and the main island, adhering to international standards and encouraging community engagement in various sports. To promote the use of bicycles as a healthy and environmentally friendly means of transport, the Integrated Transport Centre provides a public bus service that includes space inside the bus for cyclists to transport their bikes.
Users can then complete the last mile of their journey on routes that cater to the needs of residents and visitors, connecting major city centres with tourist, sports, and entertainment attractions.
