Beginners are advised to ride in groups

Experienced riders say do not cycle by yourself or on highways and keep basic equipment and emergency numbers handy.

The Abu Dhabi-based Raha Cycling group did a 300-kilometre ride just before Christmas. Courtesy Raha Cycling

DUBAI // The camaraderie and safety of group cycling draws enthusiasts from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to ride out before dawn, catch the sunrise and head home before the traffic builds up.

Experienced riders advise beginners to cycle in a group, avoid busy roads or stick to cycle tracks, and always keep a phone handy in case of emergency. “I select where I go very carefully when I cycle alone, but we generally advocate cycling in groups because you are more visible,” said Kevin Duell of Abu Dhabi’s Raha Cycling group, which organises 120 kilometre and 75km rides at the weekend.

“I have cycled 40,000km in the UAE in the past four years. It’s relatively safe if you go in a group with a safety car. Some riders train for events, others join as a social group. Do not cycle by yourself or on highways to reduce risks.”

Carrying equipment to fix flat tyres is among basic guidelines that every cyclist should follow.

“Anything that gets people on bikes and gets them to exercise is a good thing,” said Paul Venn, race director for the Dubai International Triathlon.

“I never would cycle without my telephone and I also keep the emergency services numbers handy,” said Mr Venn, who is training for a triathlon in France in the summer and will ride up Jebel Hafeet to get in shape.

“I have the ambulance clinic number in Al Qudra when I cycle there. I know enough about my bike that I can fix a puncture. It always amazes me when people cycle for long distances without basic equipment.” To stay safe, he cycles on roads closed to traffic. “I’m very, very cautious,” Mr Venn said. “This is not a country used to cyclists on the road, so it’s important for drivers to know how to react when they see bikes.”

Riding in a group can help new riders gain valuable tips.

“They will tell you if you’re using the wrong gear or if your saddle could be higher. It makes it more fun, gives you confidence,” said Alison Kirrage, a school science teacher in Dubai who trains five times a week riding 250-300km.

“If you’re a beginner, you should be in a group because if you have a problem somebody can help you.”

Ms Kirrage began training alone a year ago to build strength and endurance. She heads out at 4am, when the traffic is light. “It’s beautiful on the roads, the air is fresh and the little bit of traffic sees you clearly. I have so many flashing lights on, I look like a Christmas tree. If I think somebody is coming too close, I wave or shout. I make it my responsibility to be seen.”

To join a group, riders require a level of fitness and bicycle control. Cycling tracks in Nad Al Sheba in Dubai and Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi are popular.

“First you have to get used to your bike, ride straight and control your bike, get up to speed,” said Wolfi Hohmann, the co-founder of Dubai Roadsters. The group sets out on 80km and 140km rides on weekends and will do a coast-to-coast challenge next month.

“We normally ride two abreast while not blocking traffic. We take up one lane and are protected by a support car. Riding in groups is sensible because people can easily spot you in a pack.” A cycling culture will develop with more riders. “It’s not just riding bikes, but about making friends, getting in touch with other nationalities,” said Mr Hohmann.

“This is Dubai for me – a mix of different people coming together. Developing a cycling culture cannot happen overnight. We need to give it time. When people see more cyclists on the road, they will want to join. They will think: ‘why not, he is doing it’.”

Details about Raha Cycling and Dubai Roadsters rides can be found on rahacycling.com and dubairoadsters.com