RTA Completes 13 Cycling Tracks Across Dubai, Enhancing Integrated Mobility Network with Major Pedestrian Bridges
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has successfully completed 13 cycling tracks as part of a broader initiative that aims to establish a total of 15 tracks throughout the emirate, spanning a combined length of 162 kilometers. This project is integral to enhancing the integrated cycling network in Dubai, linking existing routes from Al Khawaneej to Al Mamzar Beach, Al Warqa’a to Saih Al Salam, and from the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) to Jumeirah.
Integrated Cycling Network
The newly completed cycling tracks are designed to create a seamless network that promotes cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation. The initiative also includes the construction of several pedestrian and cycling bridges, which are anticipated to be among the largest in the emirate. These bridges will facilitate safe crossings over major roads, enhancing connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians alike.
The bridges include a structure over Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, connecting the Al Khawaneej track to Al Mamzar Beach; another over Dubai-Al Ain Road, linking Saih Al Salam with tracks in Al Warqa’a and Al Khawaneej; a bridge over Sheikh Zayed Road, which will connect cycling tracks in Al Sufouh and Jumeirah with the track along Hessa Street; and a bridge over Al Khail Road, linking Dubai Hills with the cycling track along Hessa Street and the Mall of the Emirates. All tracks are scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2026.
Expansion Plans
The development of these cycling tracks is part of a comprehensive strategy to expand Dubai’s cycling network to 1,000 kilometers by 2030. The RTA’s efforts in building an integrated cycling network have significantly bolstered Dubai’s global standing, earning it a place among the top 100 cycling-friendly cities in the 2025 Copenhagenize Index. This recognition marks Dubai as the first city in the Middle East to achieve such a distinction, based on criteria including infrastructure quality and cycling usage rates.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, emphasized that the expansion of pedestrian and cycling tracks reflects the directives of the UAE’s leadership to enhance road safety and create a sustainable mobility environment for all road users. He noted that this initiative supports Dubai’s vision to become a pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly city, thereby improving the quality of life for residents and visitors.
Encouraging Sustainable Mobility
The existing and planned cycling tracks are designed to form an integrated network that connects residential areas with key destinations and public transport stations. This encourages the use of bicycles and other sustainable modes of transport for first- and last-mile journeys. The selection of track locations was based on comprehensive field studies, considering factors such as population density, land use integration, and proximity to major tourism and economic destinations.
Al Tayer remarked that Dubai’s inclusion in the global Copenhagen Index signifies the culmination of sustained efforts by the RTA to develop an integrated cycling network, aligning with the Dubai Bicycle-Friendly Strategy. This initiative has increased the total length of cycling tracks from 560 kilometers at the end of 2024 to 636 kilometers by the end of 2025, with cyclist satisfaction regarding the infrastructure reaching 85%.
The number of cycling trips in Dubai rose from 46.6 million in 2024 to 57.3 million in 2025, marking a 23.5% increase. Furthermore, 22.3% of the population now has access to cycling infrastructure.
Recent Projects
The completed projects include cycling tracks across various areas of Dubai, such as Al Khawaneej 2 and Al Barsha 2, as part of the Model Residential Neighbourhoods Project, totaling 18.5 kilometers—8 kilometers in Al Khawaneej 2 and 10.5 kilometers in Al Barsha 2. Additionally, a 700-meter cycling track has been established in the Tolerance District, along with the implementation of the Soft Mobility Project, which introduced targeted mobility enhancements around public transport stations.
This project encompasses areas such as Al Souk Al Kabeer, Hor Al Anz, and Abu Hail, in addition to five key public transport stations: BurJuman, Sharaf DG, Palm Deira, Baniyas, and Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. The scope of work also includes 25 kilometers of dedicated tracks for bicycles and e-scooters, upgrades to existing pedestrian walkways, and the implementation of the Safe Streets concept across internal roads.
The completed projects further include 7 kilometers of pedestrian, cycling, and micromobility tracks, designed to connect the area with ONPASSIVE Metro Station and Al Quoz Bus Station. A pedestrian and cycling bridge over Al Manara Street has also been constructed, enhancing movement for pedestrians and cyclists in the area. This bridge features aesthetic design elements that reflect the character of the locality, measuring 45 meters in length, 5.5 meters in width, and 6 meters in height, with access ramps extending 210 meters on both sides.
Additionally, pedestrian and cycling tracks have been established at the entrances of Al Warqa’a, linking them to existing tracks in the area, totaling 11 kilometers. Cycling tracks have also been implemented as part of the Al Shindagha Corridor Development Project, covering approximately 10 kilometers.
As reported by www.gulftoday.ae.
Follow the latest developments and breaking updates in the Latest News section.
Published on 2026-03-29 15:43:00 • By Editorial Desk
