Dubai is set to introduce new laws and legislations to promote cycling both as a sport and a means of eco-friendly transport, reported state news agency Wam.

 

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has issued directives in this regard, it added.

 

The announcement is in line with the objectives of Dubai Vision 2021, which aims to strengthen Dubai's position as the world’s most preferred place to live, work and visit. 

 

Sheikh Hamdan urged authorities to adopt the global best practices and safety and security measures required to develop a bicycle-friendly infrastructure.

 

It also supports the objectives of the Dubai Traffic Strategy 2021 that seeks to reduce road fatalities and the UAE Energy Strategy 2050’s aims at achieving a 16 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2021 and transforming Dubai into the city with world’s lowest carbon footprint, stated the report.

 

Sheikh Hamdan was speaking at Dubai Police’s ‘Cycling is a Lifestyle’ Innovation Lab organised at the Cycle Hub -Jumeirah. 

 

The lab was opened by the Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police Lt. General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri in the presence of Sheikh Marwan bin Mohammed bin Hasher Al Maktoum; Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council; Counsellor Salah Bu Faroucha Al Falasi, Head of the Dubai Traffic Prosecution; and senior officers and specialists representing Dubai Police’s strategic partners.

 

Participants recommended the formation of a task force comprising of RTA, Dubai Police, Dubai Sports Council and the Supreme Legislation Committee to steer Dubai’s development into a bicycle-friendly city by introducing a suitable infrastructure and legislative system and fostering a bicycle-friendly community culture.

 

They also recommended promoting joint efforts between various stakeholders to achieve these aims. 

 

The participants pledged to jointly work towards enhancing safety standards, improving perceptions of bicycle use, promoting the use of cargo bicycles, development of standards and policies, creating dedicated areas for bicycle use and promoting a bicycle renting culture.

 

The participants called for developing an infrastructure that not only ensures safety but also provides cyclists a suitable atmosphere to engage in the activity. 

 

They also advocated the creation of safer crossings and more bicycle paths, provision of facilities and services on cycling tracks and organisation of events and activities to motivate the public to use bicycles as a mean of transport.

 

James Thoem, Director at Copenhagenize Design Co., creators of the Copenhagenise Index, the world’s most comprehensive and holistic ranking of bicycle-friendly cities, lauded  Sheikh Hamdan for his vision to transform Dubai into a bike-friendly city and also the  government’s continuous efforts to promote the use of bicycles.

 

In a video-recorded message, Thoem briefed the attendees on the three criteria for developing cities: urban design and planning, communication, and awareness and educational initiatives. 

 

He also explained the criteria applied in the ‘Copenhagen Index for Best Bicycle-Friendly Cities’, which ranks more than 140 cities around the world in terms of the suitability and safety for cycling.