The National - News

Cycling tracks to open in Dubai next month

- SALAM AL AMIR

Cycling tracks stretching 32 kilometres in Mushrif, Mirdif and Al Khawaneej in Dubai will open to the public next month.

Mattar Al Tayer, director general of the Roads and Transport Authority, said that the Dh67 million project includes two bridges for use by cyclists and pedestrian­s over Al Khawaneej and Academic City streets.

“We aim to provide residentia­l districts with an infrastruc­ture that encourages residents to practise sports as it has immense health benefits to people,” Mr Al Tayer said.

The project is part of a master plan by the authority to provide 234km of cycling and running tracks by 2021.

They will pass through Al Warqaa, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Nad Al Sheba, the Expo 2020 site, Downtown, Jebel Ali, Al Quoz, Al Karama, Oud Metha, Hor Al Anz, Al Qusais and Al Barsha.

Cycling tracks extending 218km have already been built in Seih Assalam, Bab Al Shams, Al Qudra Street, the Dubai Canal, Jumeirah Street, King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street and Al Mankhool Street.

By 2021, the total length of cycle tracks in Dubai will reach about 500km.

“The selection of these areas was based on several criteria highlighte­d by the population density, appeal to cyclists and pedestrian­s, suitabilit­y of locations and the traffic safety level,” Mr Al Tayer said.

“The tracks are designed in such a way that ensures the safety and security of cyclists.”

 ?? Pawan Singh / The National ?? Cyclists on Al Qudra cycle track in Dubai
Pawan Singh / The National Cyclists on Al Qudra cycle track in Dubai

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