THE Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed construction of a cycling track extending 104 km in Dubai as part of its plan to provide suitable transit alternatives for cycling enthusiasts.

Maitha bin Udai, CEO of RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency, said: “The cycling track project was a result of a comprehensive study commissioned by the RTA in the context of its strategic plan based on several key aspects that include construction of cycling tracks within the right of way, standards of separating these tracks from pedestrian pathways, route charted for tracks in recreational areas, construction materials used, and the related traffic signage.

Bin Udai ... achievement.

“Criteria also included the selection of areas that had peculiar nature and that required priority in the construction process based on the tourist environment, area popularity, accessibility to metro stations and mass transit modes, and the fulfillment of safety and aesthetic aspects among others.”

The cycling tracks constructed comprise a 23-km track along Jumeirah Street, a 1.4-km track along Street 7 linking Jumeirah Street with Al Mankhool Street, a 1.6-km track at the Mall of the Emirates station, a 67-km track spanning Seih Assalam Road and Al Qudra Road as well as the Dubai Cycling Track gate, public utilities, rental outlets for bicycles and accessories, and a fully-equipped medical clinic in addition to a 11-km track at the centre of Bur Dubai covering Al Fuhaidi, Al Falah, Al Ghubaiba and Al Hisn Roads.

The RTA will embark on the construction of suggested tracks in a number of areas during 2013-2014 covering Al Barsha, Al Khawaneej, Al Warqaa, Al Qouz 3, Al Sufouh Street, Al Mamzar Park, Mishsrif Park, and Hor Al Anz East.

The RTA will also make provision for cycling tracks on the completion of construction of internal roads and pavements in residential areas in order to link the points of attractions, such as public parks and shopping malls, with collector roads in areas covered by the cycling tracks,”
Bin Udai added.