Pedalling to a greener future

Pedalling to a greener future (Staff Reporter) / 27 April 2013 DUBAI – Cycling enthusiasts in the emirate have a good reason to cheer about with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) approving a plan to construct additional cycling tracks stretching 52km across 11 residential districts in Dubai at a cost of Dh40 million. “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 and smooth transport for all as the advanced countries are focusing on raising the proportion of pedestrian and cyclists since they involve traffic, health and environmental benefits,” said Mattar Al Tayer, RTA chairman. Th e cycling tracks are part of RTA master plan to encourage the use of bicycles as an environment-friendly transit.— KT photo by Shihab The cycling tracks plan will cover 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, public transport stations, suitability of the site, traffic safety, and the appeal to pedestrians. The design of the track was tailored to ensure the security and safety of bikers. The plan will extend from this year until 2016. “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 and standards of separating cycling tracks from pedestrian pathways, and addressed the intersection points with cycling tracks, provision of biking tracks 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. There are now more than 100km-long cycling tracks, including 25km-long cycling lane on Jumeirah Road and about one km-long lane near the Mall of the Emirates station. Other tracks by private entities are at Al Mizher and Al Mamzar Park. “The RTA is currently constructing a 4.5km-long track in Bur Dubai, and has completed the designs of four tracks linking Jumeirah Road with 4 metro stations on the Shaikh Zayed Road. Additionally, the RTA has completed the construction of 1,400 bike tracks around the metro stations,’’ Al Tayer said. news@khaleejtimes.com Taylor Scott International