RTA Strengthens Dubai’s Cycling Network with Completion of 13 New Tracks, Expanding Total to 162 km
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has successfully completed 13 new cycling tracks, contributing to a master plan that includes a total of 15 tracks across the emirate. This initiative has resulted in an integrated cycling network that spans 162 kilometers, connecting various key locations such as Al Khawaneej to Al Mamzar Beach, Al Warqa’a to Saih Al Salam, and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) to Jumeirah.
New Pedestrian and Cycling Bridges Under Construction
In addition to the cycling tracks, RTA is in the process of constructing several pedestrian and cycling bridges, which will be among the largest in the emirate. Notable projects include a bridge over Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, linking the Al Khawaneej track to Al Mamzar Beach, and another bridge over Dubai–Al Ain Road, connecting Saih Al Salam track with existing tracks in Al Warqa’a and Al Khawaneej. Additional bridges are planned over Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road, enhancing connectivity between Dubai Hills and the cycling track along Hessa Street and the Mall of the Emirates. All tracks are expected to open in the second quarter of this year.
The expansion of cycling infrastructure is part of a broader strategy aimed at increasing Dubai’s cycling network to 1,000 kilometers by 2030.
Global Recognition for Cycling Initiatives
RTA’s commitment to developing an integrated cycling network has significantly enhanced Dubai’s global reputation, earning it a spot among the top 100 cycling-friendly cities worldwide in the 2025 Copenhagenize Index. This achievement marks Dubai as the first city in the Middle East to receive such recognition. The Copenhagenize Index evaluates cities based on various criteria, including infrastructure quality, cycling usage rates, corporate support, and policies promoting flexible mobility.
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, emphasized that the expansion of pedestrian and cycling tracks aligns with the UAE’s leadership directives to improve road safety and create a sustainable mobility environment. He noted that the initiative supports Dubai’s vision of becoming a more pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly city, thereby enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors.
Enhancements in Cycling Infrastructure
Al Tayer highlighted that both existing and planned cycling tracks form a cohesive network that connects residential areas with key destinations and public transport stations. This integration aims to encourage the use of bicycles and other sustainable modes of transport for first- and last-mile journeys. The selection of track locations was informed by comprehensive field studies that considered factors such as population density, land use, proximity to major tourism and economic sites, and connectivity to public transport hubs.
According to Al Tayer, the total length of cycling tracks in Dubai has increased from 560 kilometers at the end of 2024 to 636 kilometers by the end of 2025. Cyclist satisfaction with the infrastructure has reached 85%, and the number of cycling trips surged from 46.6 million in 2024 to 57.3 million in 2025, reflecting a 23.5% increase. Currently, 22.3% of Dubai’s population has access to cycling infrastructure.
Completed Projects and Future Developments
The completed projects include cycling tracks in multiple areas, 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, alongside the Soft Mobility Project, which enhances mobility around public transport stations, including Al Souk Al Kabeer, Hor Al Anz, and Abu Hail.
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. Furthermore, 7 kilometers of pedestrian, cycling, and micromobility tracks have been created 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, designed to improve movement for pedestrians and cyclists.
Additional completed projects include pedestrian and cycling tracks at the entrances of Al Warqa’a, totaling 11 kilometers, and cycling tracks as part of the Al Shindagha Corridor Development Project, covering approximately 10 kilometers.
Ongoing Projects and Future Plans
Currently, RTA is developing a dedicated cycling and e-scooter track as part of the Hessa Street Development Project, which will extend 13.5 kilometers and feature a width of 4.5 meters. This track will connect Al Sufouh to Dubai Hills via Hessa Street and will serve 12 key destinations across residential, commercial, educational, and service areas, including Al Barsha and Barsha Heights. The project aims to enhance first- and last-mile connectivity through integration with Dubai Internet City Metro Station and major commercial destinations.
The new track will include two bridges: one spanning Sheikh Zayed Road at 528 meters and another crossing Al Khail Road at 501 meters. Each bridge will be 5 meters wide, with designated lanes for cycling, e-scooters, and pedestrians. The architectural designs of the bridges are inspired by their surroundings, with the Sheikh Zayed Road bridge symbolizing connectivity through interwoven lines, while the Al Khail Road bridge incorporates flowing lines that evoke a sense of calm.
RTA is also constructing two large pedestrian and cycling bridges. The first will span Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, connecting Al Twar and Al Muhaisnah over a length of 816 meters, while the second will cross Dubai–Al Ain Road, linking Dubai Silicon Oasis and Liwan, measuring 719 meters.
In addition to these projects, RTA is implementing pedestrian and cycling tracks across various areas, including Al Warqa’a, Al Nahda Street in Al Qusais, Tunis Street, International City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Wadi Al Safa, Jumeirah, and Al Quoz, totaling 64 kilometers.
As part of the Al Mustaqbal Street Development Project, a 4-kilometer cycling track is being implemented, along with an additional 7 kilometers across various development areas. This includes 2 kilometers of tracks under the Al Ruwayyah Street Development Project, linking Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road with Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street, serving key mixed-use areas such as Warsan 4 and Dubai Silicon Oasis, as well as Dubai Academic City.
RTA is also delivering a 3.2-kilometer cycling track as part of a major road development project in Wadi Al Safa 5, linking Emirates Road with Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street, serving established residential communities like Arabian Ranches 3 and Villanova. Additionally, a cycling track of approximately 2 kilometers is being developed in Al Safa 4, serving key areas including Falcon City and City of Arabia.
As reported by www.emirates247.com.
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Published on 2026-03-29 14:35:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk