A dedicated bike track entices me to cycle again

Readers welcome Abu Dhabi's dedicated cycle path. Other topics: workers' pay, Metro breakdown, app contest and tech camp

The new Al Wathba cycle track augments sporting facilities like the weekly Yas Marina Circuit ride, a reader says. Photo: Sammy Dallal / The National

With regard to your editorial about the new cycle track at Al Wathba (Cycling track helps create a healthier Abu Dhabi, August 25), this is exactly what Abu Dhabi needs.

I cannot wait to get back on the bike I brought from the Netherlands – but I’ve been too scared to get on it in Abu Dhabi.

The last time I tried I was almost killed when a driver lost control of his car. He was on the phone while driving and only just missed me.

It would also help to make the crossing points in the city safer – there are too many cars that ignore pedestrian crossings where people are trying to cross the road.

Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi

With the summer heat, it would also be nice to have a cycle track indoors so it could be used year round.

Generally I don’t like cycling outside unless it’s on a track because of the unwanted attentions from men – and I’m an older woman.

Jen Bishop, Abu Dhabi

You can also rollerblade on this path and it’s where my friends and I train. They are building a clubhouse with facilities there so people will also be able to shower, which will be great.

Clare Louise Farrell, Abu Dhabi

In addition to cycle tracks, the authorities ought to allocate more dog-friendly places where we can walk our dogs. Walking is great exercise.

Nicky Murgatroyd, Abu Dhabi

Workers must be paid on time

Keren Bobker's advice column, Can Dubai worker resign without notice after not being paid for 6 weeks? (August 23) reflects a problem that I thought had already been solved.

I believe a law was passed that forces companies to pay even low-wage workers through the banking system and not in cash.

This law helps keep track of the payments to workers and provides irrefutable evidence against immoral corporations in situations when they fail to pay their staff on time.

The Ministry of Labour must continue to enforce this law with all the power at its disposal.

Mohammed Al Shamsi, Al Ain

How awful that companies cannot pay their workers for so long. How are families meant to pay their bills? They must be suffering.

Name withheld by request

Praise for response to Metro problems

I'm writing to express my gratitude and to give kudos to the RTA for taking the time to respond to readers' comments on the recent Metro breakdown (RTA capable of tackling problems in Dubai Metro, August 24).

When residents and citizens work hand in hand with the authorities, the results can only be a win for everyone involved.

This demonstrates mutual respect and it’s the type of governance that fosters inclusion.

So I’d like to say thanks and that we will continue to share our comments for the greater good of society.

Randall Mohammed, Dubai

There’s an app for that, but not many users

With Dubai hosting a preliminary round of the Arab Mobile App Challenge (Middle East app-writing competition promotes shrinking opportunities, August 23) it's worth bearing in mind that some recent studies show that most smartphone users don't download apps.

They are too busy using apps they already have, so they only download updates.

The app market is dead. Unless it’s an app that will dramatically change your life then you won’t download it, unlike the way people did only two or three years ago.

John Paravalos, Dubai

Your article raises the issue of the way out-of-date regulations are stifling the process of innovation that is essential to the knowledge economy.

I’ve always advocated that rules and regulations need to be sufficiently elastic to flex with the changes.

It’s the smart way of doing business in today’s world, where the only constant is change.

Name withheld by request

Tech camp gives a taste of the future

Your article about Khalifa University's first Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics course (Pupils given a fun lesson in engineering at Khalifa University's Stem summer camp, August 21) convinces me that those who master the technology will prosper into the new era.

As another conference in Abu Dhabi was recently told, robots will be fighting on the front lines in 10 years. Even as we speak, there are drones being used in high-risk areas, reducing the need for human intervention.

Nano-bots are being developed that can be deployed inside our bodies to detect and counter diseases, improving longevity.

The concept of singularity combines biology with technology. It’s the future and it’s inevitable.

Name withheld by request