Dubai: Cyclists in Dubai, most of whom use bicycles for the purpose of work, have called on authorities to create more bike lanes along streets.
The call comes following the introduction of new rules that ban bikes from a certain roads, with a series of fines announced for violations.
The Dubai Executive Council issued Resolution No 10 in April to regulate the use of bikes on Dubai roads.
The resolution places restrictions on movement of bikes, with bicycles banned on roads with speeds higher than 60km/h.
However, cyclists in the city, most of whom are delivery boys and laymen using bikes for work, feel the new restrictions hamper their daily work.
“There are not enough bike lanes in the city and those that are there are mixed with pedestrian walkways, which make it difficult to ride. With new restrictions our task becomes more difficult. It is confusing as you are not sure where you are allowed and where not,” said Rasheed Ahmad, a Pakistani grocery worker who uses a bike to deliver goods.
Another cyclist, Guru Ayappan, said: “Only a few areas in Dubai have cycle tracks, which is not enough. If we can’t venture anywhere beyond the bike tracks then how are we supposed to work? The new policy sounds absurd.”
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) stressed that the new resolution will enhance the safety of cyclists as well as other road users in Dubai.
“RTA is working on standards and requirements related to the use of bikes to ensure that they conform to the highest international standards, and rank Dubai among the world’s top cities in this regard,” said Maitha Bin Udai, CEO of RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency.
She added that the RTA has introduced a number of measures related to the use of bikes. including constructing designated cycling tracks fitted with the required signage.
Dubai has more than 250km of dedicated cycle tracks, but only a small portion of these are located inside the central business districts such as Bur Dubai and Deira.
According to regular cyclists, most of the cycle tracks are built outside the city and benefit only those who ride for leisure or professional cyclists.
Following the implementation of the new law, cyclists will be fined Dh300 for riding outside the dedicated bike track, while riding on roads with a speed limit above 60km/h will attract a fine of Dh500.
Any action deemed risky for the cyclist or other road users will attract a Dh300 fine.
A fine of Dh200 will be levied for riding on jogging or walking tracks, while drivers will get a fine of Dh300 for parking their vehicles on the cycle track.
Carrying a pillion rider without proper accessories for the purpose as well as not having the proper protective gear will attract a fine of Dh200.
