Cycling In Dubai
Please refer to www.rta.ae to know out the latest rules & regulations and authorised areas for cycling in Dubai. The notes below give a broad idea of the rules & regulations and is not an authoritative one.
The construction of cycling tracks in the Emirate of Dubai is in response to the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai so as to provide suitable and attractive options for residents and tourists of Dubai and encourage them to practice the sport of biking. It is also part of RTA’s master plan for the provision of dedicated cycling lanes spanning the entire Emirate. These lanes are intended to be used by an environment-friendly means of mobility or practicing sport; which echoes RTA’s vision, as well as its strategic goal of making people happier.
Regulating the use of cycling tracks and authorized areas
The Executive Council Resolution No. (10) of 2015 Regulating the Use of Pedal Cycles in the Emirate of Dubai has defined the conditions for using bicycles , areas where they are allowed to be used, as following:
- Bicycles are to be driven in designated tracks if any.
- Bicycles are not allowed on roads with speed exceeding 60 km/h.
- Cyclist are not allowed on the jogging track or on designated pedestrian lanes.
- Bike riders are expected to ride safely while exercising. extreme caution and avoiding any actions that may put their safety or others at risks.
Safety Rules for Cyclists
- Cyclists must wear a protective helmet and a reflective jacket.
- Cyclists must comply with the instructions on the information signs installed along the track.
- Cyclists must dismount when crossing at the pedestrian crossing.
- Cyclists must ride towards traffic, not the other way around and follow the designated cycle path.
- Cyclists should not use dual headsets while riding the bicycle.
- Cyclists are not allowed to us intermittent lighting (rash) and they must use fixed lighting
- Cyclists must comply with the general safety conditions.
- Please keep the cycle track clean and use the litterbins provided.
- Do no use the cycling track for purpose other than what it is designated for.
- The maximum number of allowed individuals per group is 20.
- Any person under the age of 12 years is not allowed to ride a bicycle on the road or on a bicycle track except when accompanied by a person who is not less than 18 years old.
- For your safety, please warm up before exercising.
- Legal action will be taken for not complying with the above instructions.
Determining speed limits for bicycles
The Pedestrian and Cyclist Design Manual has set an average cycling speed of 25 km/h as a standard speed. According to the manual, the speed limits may be affected by the following conditions:
- Riding bicycles in surrounding areas.
- Riding bicycles close to entrances and exits
- The nature of the track in terms of width and design.
- Based on the foregoing criteria, the speed limits have been determined
Cycling Tracks in Dubai
So far, 463km of new cycling tracks have been constructed until the end of 2020.
There are top exclusive cycling tracks in Dubai. Nad Al Sheba Bike Track - There are three different loops – 4km, 6km and 8km – plus lockers, air-conditioned changing rooms and shower facilities. The course is even lit for night riding, making it the perfect choice even in the warmer summer months. If you want to bring along the kids, there’s a children’s course, complete with street signs, speed bumps and roundabouts to teach young riders about bicycle and road safety. Al Qudra Cycle Track - Far away from the bustling city centre are two cycling paths that are perfect for middle-to long-distance riders. If you want something short, try the 18km path. If you prefer a longer ride, the 50km loop is the one for you. It opens up both the breathtaking landscape of the sand dunes as well as the five-star Bab Al Shams resort, where you can stop off for refreshments en route. The best part? You can easily hire a bike right on site at Al Qudra from Trek Bikes. Mountain biking at Hatta - There’s a dedicated 52km mountain biking trail to tackle here, with four different levels to consider based on your skills and abilities. Stop by the Hatta MTB centre for bike hires and to pick up other essentials such as helmets, as well as elbow and knee guards. The helpful guides will also be able to recommend the best routes for maximum exhilaration for both the young and young at heart. Dubai Autodrome - offers a closed 2.46km circuit that’s perfect for beginners or those getting back on the saddle after a break from cycling. There’s no need to book – just show up and start pedalling. Alternatively, head to the weekly event held on Wednesday nights under floodlights. Helmets are compulsory. Jumeirah Street Track – 19 kms – runs parallel to Jumeirah and connects to Dubai Canal track. Starts from the Flaghouse at Jumeirah and extends upto Burj Al Arab offering stunning visuals of Jumeirah coastline, canal and the world famous resorts dotted along the Jumeirah.Public Parks
Cycling tracks extending 18.441 km have been constructed by Dubai Municipality inside ten public parks to serve park-goers. The parks include:No. Park Track length (meter)
- Mushrif Park 4 kms
- Al Warqa3 Park 3 kms
- Al Nahda Pond Park 1.3 kms
- Al Khawaneej Pond Park 2 kms
- Quranic Park Al Khawaneej 3.2 kms
- Garden ABUHAIL 310 metres
- Al Barsha Pond Park 1.45 kms
- Al Sufouh Park 230 metres
- Nad Al Sheba Park 906 metres
- Al Barsha South Park 2 kms
Upcoming cycling tracks – Work in Progress
A new 16km cycling lane will be built along Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach — keeping the emirate right on track to becoming the most bicycle-friendly city in the world.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, announced in June 2021 that the new cycling track by the beach is part of a grand master plan to extend the emirate’s total bike lanes to 739km by 2026.
The first sector of the track will have a width of four metres, stretching alongside Jumeirah Beach, running parallel to existing jogging and walking tracks. The track extends from Dubai Water Canal to Umm Suqeim Park.
The second sector will have a width of three metres, runs alongside Jumeirah Street and King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street, ending in Dubai Internet City. It will serve several hotspots alongside Jumeirah Beach such as the Sunset Mall, Open Beach, Dubai Sailing Club, Kite Beach, Umm Suqeim Park, and Burj Al Arab.
Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), said a master plan has been laid out to link cycling tracks to vital areas of Dubai.
“The Master Plan for Cycling Tracks 2026 envisages the construction of additional cycling tracks extending 276km, which will bring the total length of cycling tracks in the emirate to 739km. The plan aims to link the tracks in the coastal areas, such as Jumeirah, Al Sufouh and Al Marina, with the external tracks in Al Qudra, Seih Assalam and Nad Al Sheba via Al Barsha, Dubai Hills and Nad Al Sheba,” explained Al Tayer.