Cameras will soon be installed on cycle tracks across Dubai to spot riders without helmets.
A trial run on the Nad Al Sheba cycle track used new artificial intelligence technology from UAE company Evoteq to detect whether cyclists were wearing safety helmets and how many people were using the track.
Dubai introduced legislation in 2010 mandating cyclists to wear helmets.
The Roads and Transport Authority's safety guidelines for cycling tracks also state that riders "must wear a protective helmet".
Roads and Transport Authority
“These cameras will eventually be used across different cycling tracks in Dubai,” said Meera Al Shaikh, director of smart services at the Dubai authority.
“They will capture data for analysis at our command and control centres.
“As we capture more data, this will be rolled out to other tracks once we identify which areas need more cameras than others.”
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An exhibit at the Roads and Transport Authority stand at Gitex 2021 of the Evoteq AI technology that can detect whether cyclists are wearing helmets. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National -
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"Cameras monitor speed, rider numbers and if cyclists are wearing helmets or not."
One camera has been installed at Nad Al Sheba under the trial, with more to follow elsewhere.
“Eventually, they will be used at all major cycle tracks in the city,” said Ms Al Shaikh.
“It is an encouragement towards supporting people to cycle safely."
The transport authority built 463 kilometres of cycling track in 2020, with plans to increase the total length of cycling tracks in the emirate to 739km by 2026, linking communities with various public transport stations to help cut emissions.
The cameras capture video, which allows an algorithm to analyse the footage.
“There are a lot of people running, walking and on scooters as well as cyclists so it can also detect those users so the track can be managed safely,” said Jihad Tayara, chief executive of Evoteq.
“It can be used at intersections for motorists, to advise them of any new warnings about approaching traffic.”
In April, Dubai announced a multimillion-dirham strategy for safer cycling in the emirate.
The Bicycle-Friendly City Strategy 2025 includes Dh400 million to be spent across 18 initiatives.
In February, a bridge linking the tracks of Al Khawaneej, Mushrif and Al Warqa areas opened connecting the residential area of International City and Dragon Mart mall.
“As a following step, we've developed an extended project road map for the complete track journey for cyclists, which aims to improve their safety and experience,” said Mr Tayara.
“In Dubai, the solution will help boost the government’s efforts to make the emirate a bicycle-friendly city, as well as promote cycling as a form of sport and fitness activity.”
