Abu Dhabi: Cycling may be a growing lifestyle sport in the capital, but in the absence of purpose-built racing tracks, enthusiasts risk accidents on busy roads, warn cycling professionals.
The deaths of two triathletes last year - Medhi Karasane in a road accident in Abu Dhabi in November and Roy Nasr in Dubai near Safa Park, are tragic reminders for many cyclists.
But an abiding passion for biking has driven serious cyclists to saddle up and hit off-road tracks, or venture out during early morning hours when roads are traffic-free.
WEEKEND RIDES
One such group is Al Raha Cycling Group that organises weekend rides in Abu Dhabi for enthusiasts. “We start at 6.30am from Al Raha and cover about 120km on Fridays and have an 80km ride on Saturdays,” Kevin Duell, 56, one of the founders of Raha Cycling Group, told XPRESS.
Duell, a training consultant who set up the group when he arrived from the UK four years ago, said: “Today we have around 300 registered members on our website rahacycling.com.”
He said group cycling is a safer option as they follow a pre-determined map and try to be as risk-free as possible.
“Roads are too risky to cycle as we are constantly jostling with moving traffic. But if you ask me how safe it is in Abu Dhabi, it is safer than cycling in the UK, because roads are wider here,” said Duell.
Abu Dhabi Tri Club (www.abudhabitriclub.org) is another group catering to beginners and professionals. They conduct regular training sessions and events for cyclists, swimmers and athletes.
DESIGNATED CYCLING TRACKS
The opening of the Al Wathba Cycle track five months ago has given the sport a great boost. The 16-km track close to the camel track is a favourite spot for many bikers. “Though it is far from the city, the Al Wathba track is a great boon for racers. The tracks are wide, and you don’t have to worry about vehicles buzzing past,” said Michelle Benter, 32, an Australian teacher here.
“Ideally we would like to see tracks along the roads, where more people can take up cycling as a hobby or profession,” said Benter.
In fact, Abu Dhabi municipality has announced plans to build more cycle tracks in the city.
Yas Island draws a large number of cycling enthusiasts as it has a purpose-built cycling infrastructure with modern cycle paths, signage, maps and cycle-stands. Fun Ride Sports organises Yas Cycling at Marina Circuit every Tuesday where the Formula One race tracks are open for cyclists and athletes. The company offers bikes for rent on an hourly basis. Racing bikes are available for Dh50 and children’s bikes cost Dh20. Women can enjoy an all women’s day on Wednesdays.
The Corniche boardwalk is another hotspot for cycling. Even during the scorching summer, the place is abuzz with residents and families hitting the pedal.
Mariam Al Bennah said her three children – ages 4, 6 and 11 – love to cycle along the Corniche. “I try to bring them here almost every week, because it is safe. And we can rent cycles that suit their age and height,” said Al Bennah.
Fun Ride Sports offers a variety of bikes here. Among them are mountain bikes, racing bikes and even bikes specially designed to suit riders in abayas.
Bike rentals at the Corniche start at Dh30 per hour for adults and Dh20 for children. Voucher booklets for 15 hours of cycling are also available for Dh200.
Hassan Al Olawale, marketing manager, said the company which started with just two rental stations at the Corniche in 2007, today has 10 designated stations across Abu Dhabi. Plans are on to open more stations.
“We have over 1,000 bikes on rent, and more than 100 monthly members,” said Olawale.
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