ABU DHABI // The capital’s busy streets might seem daunting to many, but Peter Mueller has been cycling to work for more than 11 years.
The Australian father of three normally leaves his home in Al Mushrif at about 6.30am.
“Any later than that and the roads become congested with work and school traffic,” he said.
Over the years he has developed a hybrid route by combining road and footpaths that are relatively safe. He wears a high visibility vest and a helmet, and has a high-powered flashing front light and a tail lamp.
“The most dangerous part of the journey is the two roundabouts I have to negotiate,” he said. “At times some drivers assume you’ll stop even when you’ve got the right of way.”
He heads to his office in Al Dhafra Towers on the Corniche by cycling through Mushrif towards Karama, two roundabouts, the Helipad Park at the corner of Karama and Mohammed bin Khalifa Streets (24th and 15th streets) and past Khalidiya Mall, keeping to backstreets where possible.
In the time he has cycled to work, he has had two accidents as a result of cars failing to give way at roundabouts – one in 2007 and the other last year.
“I’ve been lucky and haven’t sustained significant injury,” Mr Mueller, 50, said.
The bike commute is about 25 minutes, which he considers marginally slower than travelling by car if one takes into account the time it takes to find a parking spot.
“It is significantly quicker than the bus, although the bus system is very good and getting better as the service expands,” he said.
In the evening, Mr Mueller leaves the office after 6pm, because the roads are a little quieter by then.
“The benefits of cycling are significant,” he said. “It’s an excellent form of transport and good for the environment.
“I’m lucky to have a shower at the office so maintain a set of clothes. Often after a busy day, the ride home is a great way to get exercise and relax, successfully utilising what could otherwise be described as downtime.”
With childhood obesity and diabetes rampant problems in the community, encouraging cycling, for recreational and commuting purposes, along with other forms of physical exercise, offers significant benefits, he added.
“The infrastructure supporting cycling as a form of recreation in Abu Dhabi has come a long way over the past 10 years,” said Mr Mueller, who is also a keen triathlete. “The recent addition of Al Wathba Cycle Track is excellent.”
The 16-kilometre Al Wathba Cycle Track is open to all and is free. The loop track will soon be extended to include an additional 100 kilometres of pathway.
“Full credit should go to the people who initiated it and put it together,” Mr Mueller said. “The only issue is that it’s way out of town and not easily accessible.”
Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina Circuit is also a safe place for cyclists looking to avoid jostling for road space with cars and lorries.
“Generally speaking, the road conditions in the UAE are very good,” he said. “In some parts there is some debris but in most parts they’re great.”
As Abu Dhabi grows, the roads are becoming more and more congested, making cycling more difficult. The public roads in Abu Dhabi and the rest of the country are unsafe and cyclists have to stick to parks and bike paths.
“A number of people have died,” he said. “I knew Roy [Nasr] and that was really unfortunate.”
Triathlete Roy Nasr was hit while on a training ride with friends near Dubai's Safa Park in September last year, and Mehdi Karasane died in hospital 11 days after being knocked down on the road between Abu Dhabi and Dubai in November last year.
“People drive at high speed and are in close contact with cyclists,” he said. “Many people don’t cycle naturally as kids, and they don’t know what it’s like to be on the road.”
rruiz@thenational.ae
