19 May
Cycling Rules & Regulations in Dubai – an update from Smartriderdubai
- By SmartRider Dubai
- 0 Comments
Rules & Regulations for cycling in Dubai
With the exponential growth of cycling in Dubai, it is a common sight to witness cyclists zipping past the traffic on the roads and pavements alike. Most follow cycling rules and etiquette, but a few are oblivious to the rules, which brings a bad name to the entire cycling community. We have therefore, put together a summary of the important directives of the Roads & Transport authority on cycling rules in Dubai.
Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued Executive Council Resolution No. (13) of 2022 regulating the use of bicycles and electric bikes and scooters in Dubai. The Resolution supports Dubai’s efforts to transform itself into a bicycle-friendly city and promote environmentally friendly modes of transport. It also contributes to reducing road traffic congestion by encouraging the use of alternative means of transport, and promoting the public health of the community.
We give below, a summary of the main rules & regulations on cycling, issued by the Roads & Transports Authority of Dubai. However, for the latest updated guidelines, kindly refer to RTA website ( www.rta.ae).
As per the new directives from RTA, the following are to be adhered by cyclists
Cycling Gear & Accessories
- All cyclists need to wear an helmet
- Reflective vests are a must
All cycles are to be fitted with
- White lamp at the front and Red lamp & reflector at the rear
- Bell to be fitted on the handle bar
- Brakes on both front & rear tyre
Other Cycling Rules & regulations
- Cyclists should adhere to traffic rules and ride bikes only on RTA designated tracks
- Cyclists are not allowed to ride on roads where the speed limit is more than 60km per hour
- Cyclists are not allowed to ride on jogging / walking tracks
- Pillion riders are not permitted unless the cycle has a provision and separate seat for the pillion rider
- Cyclists should maintain safe distance from other vehicles and should always ride on the right side of the road
- Cycles are to be parked in designated areas ( if any)
- Cyclists below 12 years of age should be accompanied by an adult cyclist who is more than 18 years old
- Cyclists must dismount when crossing at the pedestrian crossing.
- Cyclists are not allowed to us intermittent lighting and they must use fixed lighting
- Cyclists must ride towards traffic, not the other way around and follow the designated cycle path.
- Cycling is prohibited in metro stations and pedestrian bridges. However, it is allowed to pull a bike on pedestrian bridges and carry foldable bicycles in metro
- Legal action will be taken for not complying with the above instructions.
Additionally, it is important that Cyclists follow the cycling etiquette, a few of which are mentioned below:
Riding in the night
If you are riding in the night, ensure you can be seen by all. Ensure you have a front light and please bear in mind that an LED blinking front light can be a nuisance to others. Keep the front light a constant and the rear red light can flicker.
Where to Ride
Ride on Bike lanes wherever available. If the bike lane is closed / blocked by a car, then use the road, wisely. Stay close to the Kerb and keep an eye and ear on vehicles on the road.
Please don’t ride on pavements. They are meant for pedestrians and not for cyclists. If you are forced to use the pavements, cycle very slowly, mindful of pedestrians’ safety.
Direction
Ride with the traffic and not against the traffic. Riding against the traffic might be good to watch in a Hollywood movie, but is scary, risky and DOWNRIGHT against the law.
Traffic Signals
As a cyclist you are bound to obey all traffic signs and therefore be mindful that the Red Light is also meant for you. Jumping that red light might look good in reel life, in the movie “Premium Rush”, but it might prove fatal in real life. Respecting traffic signs is the key to staying safe on the roads.
Never ride your bike on a pedestrian crossing. Respect the people and walk your bike on the crossing.
Ride Smart
Be consistent when you ride on the road / bike lane. This means that you drive in a fairly straight line and at a consistent pace. This will help others users of the road, to anticipate your movements. Don’t cut thru lanes or vehicles. This is strict NO and can lead to horrible accidents. Use hand signals to indicate when you are turning right or left.
Watch out for these
Right turns on a road can be dangerous when a car or a bigger vehicle turn fast and you are in their blind spot. Remove yourself from their blind spot and take steps to make yourself safe.
Be mindful of parked cars and the fact that someone can open the door suddenly unmindful of an approaching cyclist. This can lead to a serious injury and therefore be mindful and give some space.
Finally……..
Acknowledge good cycling behaviour on the road. A friendly wave of your hand or a smile would go a long way.
Help out fellow cyclists when they are down and when they need your help in fixing their bike or when they seem lost. What goes around, comes around.
Happy Cycling. Power to your pedal.
The above is just an indication of the main rules for cycling in Dubai. Kindly refer to the RTA website ( www.RTA.ae) for the latest regulations on cycling in Dubai.
SmartriderDubai – May 2022