New Dh32m cycling track announced for Dubai

DUBAI // Bike enthusiasts on Wednesday welcomed plans for a 21-kilometre track in Dubai as the ideal way to encourage more people to the sport.

The Dh32 million track will connect with the existing cycle path at Seih Assalam.

It runs beside Al Qudra Road to Emirates Road, passing near Global Village and the Hamdan Sports Complex, and on to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road before heading to the green Al Barari community.

Wolfi Hohmann, a bike shop owner and a founder of Dubai Roadsters, said: “This is amazing and my dream come true to see more tracks in the desert.

“When I came to Dubai 13 years ago to open a cycle shop, people shook their heads and said, ‘who would ride a bike in the desert?’ But now when I visit exhibitions all over the world they know about Dubai.

“It’s a unique story of cycling locations in the desert. Once this connection is made from Al Qudra, there is no reason not to take the bike out to exercise and for sport.”

Mr Hohmann cycled with Germany national football star Mario Gotze on Al Qudra track during the player’s visit to the emirate in January. His club sets out on 80-kilometre and 140km rides at weekends.

Several more cycling paths are in the pipeline for residential areas to link attractions such as public parks and malls with smaller roads connecting to local communities.

Existing paths across Dubai are a 25km stretch on Jumeirah Road, an 11km route in Bur Dubai and a 115km path at Seih Assalam and Al Qudra Road. The Al Qudra track has 10 rest points, bike hire and a medical clinic.

The Cycling Tracks project was launched after a study commissioned by the Roads and Transport Authority identified a need for separate roads.

“The plan envisages cycling paths constructed within the right of way and separating them from vehicular movement through internationally recognised traffic signs,” said Maitha bin Udai, chief executive of the authority’s Traffic and Roads Agency.

“The project had been initiated to cater to the needs of the public identified in a comprehensive study commissioned by the RTA.

“The project epitomises several strategic goals of the RTA and its plan is aimed at providing suitable alternatives to lure Dubai residents and tourists to practise cycling as a hobby.”

rtalwar@thenational.ae