Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said it has awarded a contract for construction of cycling and running tracks across five residential areas in the UAE emirate.

The tracks at Warqaa, Mushrif, Mirdif, Mizhar and Khawaneej extending 57 km will be constructed over a 12-month period at an estimated cost of about Dh79 million ($21 million), it stated.

“The first project covers the construction of a cycling and running route extending 32 km at Mushrif, Mirdif, Mizhar and Khawaneej along with three bridges for the combined use of cyclists and pedestrians at Al Khawaneej at a cost of Dh52 million ($14.15 million)," revealed Mattar Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of the board of executive directors of RTA.

The others involve the construction of cycling and running tracks spanning 25 km at Warqaa along with a bridge for cyclists as well as pedestrians to use at Tripoli Road at a cost of Dh27 million ($7.35 million), he stated.

“These districts were selected on the basis of several parameters highlighted by population density, appeal to cyclists and pedestrians, surrounding areas, suitability of locations and existing obstacles, traffic safety. Moreover, lanes have been designed in such a way that provides safety and security of cyclists,” he added.

Meanwhile, RTA recently opened the Dubai Cycling Track (Seih Assalam – Nad Al Sheba) stretching about 23 km. The project links with the existing cycling lane of Seih Assalam at Al Qudra Road (at the Gate of the Dubai Cycling Track), and extends further in the direction of the Emirates Road, Latifa bint Hamdan Road, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Al Barari and up to Nad Al Sheba.

The 115-km-long cycling tracks at Seih Assalam includes several public utilities, outlets for renting bikes and accessories, a fully equipped medical clinic, and 10 rest points all along the biking lane fitted with seats and bike racks.-TradeArabia News Service