VIDEO: Sheikh Hamdan directs to transform Dubai into a bike-friendly city

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, directed to transform Dubai into a bike-friendly city, by working to develop laws and the legislative system, and to apply international best practices in developing the infrastructure to suit the use of this sporty and environmentally safe method.

The announcement comes in line with the objectives of Dubai Vision 2021, which aims to strengthen Dubai's position as a preferred place to live and work, the preferred destination for visitors, and the safest, and to fulfill the Dubai Traffic Strategy 2021 to reduce the death rate resulting from traffic accidents, and in line with the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 aimed at reducing carbon emissions by 16% by 2021 and transforming Dubai into the city with the lowest carbon footprint in the world.

The announcement of Sheikh Hamdan to transform Dubai into a bike-friendly city came during the activities of the innovation laboratory "Bicycles is a way of life", organized by the Dubai Police General Headquarters in Cycle Hub, Jumeirah Dubai, in cooperation with its strategic partners in the Executive Council of the Government of Dubai.

The Dubai Public Prosecution, the Supreme Legislation Committee, the Roads and Transport Authority, the Dubai Sports Council, the Department of Economic Development, the Emirates Cycling Federation, the Dubai Municipality, the Federal Insurance Authority, in addition to the organisers of bicycle events and real estate development partners in relation to bicycle lanes, with the participation of the Board of Directors of the centers Dubai Police, Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, and bike suppliers.

Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, recommended to form a working team from the Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai, the Dubai Police, the Dubai Sports Council, and the Supreme Committee for Legislation to create a general climate to make Dubai bicycle friendly by completing the infrastructure and strengthening the legislative system and community culture.

They also recommended promoting joint work among all concerned partners within a time and strategic plan to develop the infrastructure for the use of bicycles in accordance with international standards, develop facilities for them, reduce congestion, as well as work to promote the culture of bicycle use and provide them for both sexes, planning for bicycle use areas, and promoting the culture of bicycle rental.

Participants in the innovation lab will work on developing and modernizing an infrastructure that provides security and enjoyment for cyclists, and focuses on creating safer crossings, providing bike paths, providing facilities and services on the tracks, and implementing events and activities to motivate the public to use bicycles as a means of transportation.