Dubai opens tunnel to boost safety for cyclists

A dedicated tunnel for cyclists has opened in Dubai to help improve road safety and cut the emirate’s carbon footprint.

The underpass in Meydan – which is 160 metres long and 6.6 metres wide – has capacity for up to 800 riders an hour.

The Roads and Transport Authority project is part of Dubai’s long-term strategy to position itself as a bicycle-friendly city.

The scheme – which comes amid other road improvements in the area – involved turning part of the cycle track connecting to Meydan Street into an underpass.

This allows the free flow of bicycles and is expected to reduce accidents by keeping cyclists separate from motor vehicles, said officials.

The RTA aims to increase the total length of cycling tracks in the emirate to 819km by the end of 2026.

In 2020, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, announced his intention to turn Dubai into a bike-friendly city.

He approved a Dh400 million ($109 million) strategy to improve cycling safety the following year.

Sheikh Hamdan urged the authorities to adopt all the safety and security measures needed to develop a bicyclefriendly network.

Dubai Vision 2021 aims to strengthen the city’s position as a popular place to live, work and visit.

Improving cycling facilities will also help to reduce the UAE’s carbon footprint.

Last May, the RTA revealed plans to build cycle paths in Barsha 1 and Barsha 2, in the latest stage of the city’s cycling network.

It is also assessing whether to build cycle paths in eight other districts: Al Ras, Al Bateen, Al Daghaya, Ayal Nasir, Al Souq Al Kabeer, Hor Al Anz, Abu Hail and Al Sabkha.

Officials aim to have cycle tracks in 29 districts by the end of 2026.