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Biking enthusiasts in Dubai are delighted with news that Road Transport Authority’s (RTA) has successfully completed the first phase of Dubai’s cycling track.

“It’s a fantastic initiative. It’s great to see what the government is doing for us. Had it not been for this, it might not have gotten me to take up cycling again,” stated Andy Fordham, a sports and events promoter in Dubai.

“It’s admirable how they have created a track in the desert. I’m eager to see what they have planned in the future.”

Another regular on the cycling circuit, Richard is excited that they are being provided with safe routes to cycle.

“It can’t get better than this. This will definitely encourage more people to start cycling.”

Andy added that there are nearly 2,000 biking enthusiast in the emirate who will benefit from the tracks.

“I’ve lived here for five years, and the first three years was extremely frustrating because the kind of infrastructure that I was provided in my home country was not readily available here. Things that I had taken granted for. Over there, you just jump on a bike and ride on,” he explained.

Andy, however, acknowledged that the situation has improved since, and is delighted with the progress of RTA’s majestic  850-km Dubai Bicycle Master Plan.

But, he highlighted how the harsh weather conditions in the region could play spoilsport and leave the tracks unused for majority of the year.

“During summer it is tough to go biking, but we still manage to. Often I bike when the sun is down, say before 5am and after 7.30pm.

“I just hope the officials can come with a mechanism to counter the weather.”

That aside, he is happy that for six-months cyclists can enjoy the facilities.

“Now, we can ride without any fear of being knocked down by a cab or other drivers.”

“Commuters could probably ride to a metro, instead of taking a cab,” he highlighted, adding that in London and other Western countries renting a bike is an option which the UAE should adopt.

The RTA has completed 104-km of the cycling track.

The announcement was made by Maitha bin Udai, CEO of RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency.

“The cycling tracks include a 23km-long track along Jumeirah street, 1.4km track along Street No 7, linking Jumeirah street with Al Mankhool Street, 1.6km track at the Mall of the Emirates station, 67km track spanning Seih Assalam Road and Al Qudra Road, and 11 km track at the center of Bur Dubai covering Al Fuhaidi, Al Falah, Al Ghubaiba and Al Hisn Roads.

“It also includes the Dubai Cycling Track Gate, public utilities, rental outlets for bicycles & accessories, and a fully equipped medical clinic.”

Maitha added that the RTA will now start work in areas like Al Barsha, Al Khawaneej, Al Warqaa, Al Qouz 3, Al Sufouh Street, Al Mamzar Park, Mishsrif Park, and Hor Al Anz East.

Identifying cycling as a great way to remain fit, the RTA is also keen to introduce these facilities in residential areas, parks and even near shopping malls.

The cycling track project was a result of a comprehensive study by the RTA to provide suitable transit alternatives for cycling enthusiasts.