Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi will be a better and safer place to walk, cycle, and take public transport thanks to a new system of urban design.
The emirate aims to reduce the reliance on personal motor vehicles by implementing a network of public transit to include high-speed rail and rapid transit options such as trams and buses, according to the Urban Street Design Manual, unveiled yesterday by Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC), the agency responsible for the future of Abu Dhabi's urban environment.
The innovative street designs will provide a genuine choice of movement by walking, cycling and public transport modes as well as in private motor vehicles, a press release issued by the UPC said. Abu Dhabi residents and visitors will start witnessing the transformation this year when a city centre street will be reconstructed according to the design standards in compliance with the emirate's 2030 vision.
The manual is based on key design principles including safety for all street users, gives priority for pedestrians and ensures universal access and environmental sustainability.
Similar lifestyle enhancement themes will also be applicable to waterfront, mixed-use and community developments, sporting venues, natural environment, revitalisation strategies and cultural heritage aspects of UPC's other key urban development projects, said Falah Mohammad Al Ahbabi, general manager of UPC.
Showcase: Manual on display
The Urban Street Design Manual will be showcased on an interactive display at Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2010 to be held from April 18 to 21 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. It will complement the multi-modal transit infrastructure aspect of Capital 2030 that aims to offer key lifestyle enhancements for Abu Dhabi residents.
