Look: How Dubai’s cycling tracks are driving a physically active lifestyle

photo courtesy: WAM
Dubai’s fast-developing infrastructure projects have always placed the environment and human well-being at the core of its objectives. The various infrastructure projects built in Dubai have seen the emirate develop into one of the world’s most prominent cities in the last few decades. The emirate’s focus on building world-class infrastructure has extended beyond building an advanced network of roads, five-star hotels and the largest malls.
Creating a world-class sporting infrastructure that enables people to embrace sports and a physically active lifestyle has been equally important.
Exemplifying this over the last few years is the growth of Dubai’s cycling tracks driven by its vision to become a bicycle-friendly city and offer professional cyclists and fitness enthusiasts an opportunity to practice the sport within a safe environment.
Dubai continues to promote cycling as a means of environmentally friendly transport, as part of its efforts to transform itself into the city with the world’s lowest carbon footprint. It also has comprehensive plans to expand the current 463 km of cycling tracks to 759 km by 2026.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Municipality have laid out more than 20 dedicated cycling tracks in areas such as Downtown Dubai, Dubai Water Canal, Al Sufouh, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Road, 2nd December Street, Al Rigga, Jabel Ali, Al Quoz, Al Qudra, Saih Al Salam, Bab Al Shams, Al Barsha, Hor Al Anz, Al Qusais, Oud Metha, Al Mankhool, Al Karama, Al Khawaneej, Al Warqa, Expo 2020 Dubai site, and Nad Al Sheba.
There are also more than 760 bicycles available to rent from 74 bike rental stations located in different areas of the city such as the Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Road, JLT, Al Rawda, Barsha Heights, Dubai Water Canal, Dubai Media City, Downtown Dubai and Al Qudra, as well as Al Karama and Al Mankhool.
Offering a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience, the cycling tracks in Dubai are among a diverse set of attractions being highlighted by the #DubaiDestinations initiative recently launched by the Dubai Media Council to showcase the exceptional events and activities offered by the emirate.
Among Dubai’s most popular tracks and the longest of them is the Al Qudra track. Providing cyclists breathtaking views of the desert, the 135 km track extends from Al Barari area to Bab El Shams along Al Qudra Street and is usually one of the most preferred paths for professional athletes.
Another unique location where people can go mountain biking is located in Hatta. The 52 km dedicated mountain biking trail has four different levels for cyclists with different skills and abilities.
Converted from a camel track, the 13 km Nad Al Sheba cycle path, offers cyclists mesmerising views of Downtown Dubai and Burj Khalifa. Located close to the Meydan Racecourse, the course, which stays lit at night, features 4 km, 6 km, and 8 km loops and a special track for children.
The Dubai Autodrome, a world-class motorsport and entertainment facility, also offers a closed 2.46 km circuit that can be a perfect choice for beginners or those practicing the sport after a long time.
For those looking to use bicycles for their daily commute, to stay active or as environment-friendly means of mobility, the RTA and Dubai Municipality have built dedicated tracks to ensure the safety of users in densely populated areas. The most prominent of these tracks is the Al Khawaneej track, which extends 19 km in length and connects Al Khawaneej Community to the Mushrif Park track. Another major track is the Jumeirah track extending 16 km alongside the Jumeirah Beach. It connects the existing Jumeirah Street cycling track parallel to the Dubai Water Canal with the existing cycling track alongside King Salman bin AbdulAziz Al Saud Street located in Dubai Internet City. Additionally, there is the 13 km Meydan track that connects the area to Business Bay, the 7-km Dubai Water Canal cycling track and the 5 km Dubai Marina route.
Dubai’s newest cycling tracks are located at the heart of Expo 2020 Dubai. More than 10 km of cycling tracks were developed at the mega event to provide easy transport across the site, in addition to 50 km of shared pedestrian paths around Expo 2020 Dubai bus stops.
Dubai Municipality has developed special cycling lanes extending 1.5 km in Al Barsha Pond Park, 3km in Al Warqa 3 Park, 4km in Mushrif Park and 3.2km in Quranic Park. All of these tracks provide a relaxed environment for families and children to practice cycling.
The civic body is also currently implementing cycling tracks at a length of 65 km inside 10 public parks to serve park-goers and encourage physical activity in the city in line with the vision of the emirate to develop high-quality infrastructure projects that enhance people’s quality of life.