Dubai's cycling tracks project 90pc completed
DUBAI, October 2, 2017
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that 90 per cent of the work on the cycling and running tracks at three residential districts - Mushrif, Midriff and Al Khawaneej - in Dubai has been completed.
The project involves the construction of 32-km-long tracks along with two bridges for the combined use of cyclists and pedestrians on Al Khawaneej and the Academic City Streets at an investment of Dh67 million ($15.4 milllion), said the statement from RTA.
"With the work progressing at a steady pace, the project may get fully completed as early as this November," revealed Mattar Al Tayer, the director-general and chairman of the board of executive directors of RTA.
"Our aim is to provide an infrastructure at residential districts that encourages residents to practice sport, in view of its immense health benefits to people," remarked Al Tayer.
The project is also part of a master plan developed by the RTA to provide dedicated cycling and running tracks covering the entire emirate that can be used as eco-friendly mobility means for cycling enthusiasts.
Advanced countries and communities pay much attention to raising the proportion of trips made by walking and cycling sport," stated Al Tayer.
According to him, the selection of these areas was based on several criteria highlighted by the population density, appeal to cyclists and pedestrians, suitability of locations and the traffic safety level.
"Moreover, lanes have been designed in such a way that ensures the safety and security of cyclists," he stated.
The RTA plans to build more cycling tracks extending as long as 234 km from 2018 to 2021.
"These lanes will pass through several areas and will take the total length of cycling lanes in Dubai to about 500km by 2021," remarked Al Tayer.
"Over the past years, the RTA had constructed biking lanes extending 218 km covering Seih Assalam/Bab Al Shams/Al Qudra Street, Dubai Water Canal, Jumeirah Street, King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street and Al Mankhool Street, he noted.
Additionally, the RTA is currently undertaking the construction of cycling lanes extending 32 km at Mushrif, Midriff and Al Khawaneej, which is expected to be completed this November.-TradeArabia News Service
