Plan to encourage use of cycles in city

Dubai: Residents in Dubai will be encouraged to use cycles to cover short distances as part of the Roads and Transport Authority's plan for integrated transport system in the city.

The RTA has reviewed the available facilities for cyclists in the city and has decided to have parking spaces for cycles in addition to dedicated lanes for cyclists in some parts of the city, especially in the crowded Central Business Districts of Deira and Bur Dubai.

It will also help reduce traffic congestion in busy areas in addition to providing a healthy activity to residents.

The RTA is planning to devise ways to encourage malls, entertainment clubs, schools, colleges, hospitals and other companies in both the public and private sector to provide parking spaces for cyclists according to specified standards.

"We will seek to devise a comprehensive plan for the development of the cycling network that will include laying cycling tracks, providing the requisite facilities and framing guidelines and legislations for the use of bicycles," said Salem Al Shafei, Director of Strategic Planning for Transport.

Parking spaces

The RTA will soon provide parking spaces for bicycles in the souq areas in Deira and Bur Dubai.

The RTA will assess the viability of setting bicycle parking spaces near bus stations, metro stations and the existing and upcoming harbours to achieve the highest standard of integration of the transport system in Dubai.