ABU DHABI // Nostalgic smiles beamed from the faces Abu Dhabi media staff as they walked into work on Monday, and no, not for Majid magazine, but for an impressive display of bikes of all shapes and sizes.
Aboubaker Al Sakaf, partner of Besport, teased them further by riding on a city bike around the car park in his kandura.
“This bike’s design allows those in kanduras and abayas to ride them freely,” he said as he was coming off.
The more than dozen rental bicycles on display and the make shift bicycle store set up outside The National's building was another drive in the newspaper's #CycleToWorkUAE campaign.
“We are here today to raise curiosity and encourage people to approach us,” Mr Al Sakaf said, who also owns a number of bike rentals around the city.
Although shy at first, curiosity got the best of staff who spent the day approaching the bikes in waves with the encouragement of colleagues. Even those walking by on 15th street came over to get a closer look. Some had not ridden a bike since childhood, Mr Al Sakaf said.
Apart from getting to know about the different kinds of bikes, including tricycles, mountain bikes, city bikes, and safety gear, staff entered competitions to win bicycles and a number of other free prizes.
Three stationary bikes were also set up and powered a car race circuit for employees to battle against their colleagues. The aim of the game was simple: The faster they peddled, the quicker they move around the circuit. As the day progressed, staff got competitive with some returning for a second turn.
“People are reluctant at first, but with encouragement, they are not afraid to ride in public,” Mr Al Sakaf said. “We are here not to make sales but to encourage a culture of riding.
“The bicycle scene in Abu Dhabi has transformed in recent years. We just want a bike route and then things will really take-off.”
He said this was clear after one member of staff said she wanted to ride a bike to work but the absence of a route stopped her.
Mr Al Sakaf was ready to answer any questions and talk about what people deemed valid reasons not to ride a bike.
“If you cannot ride a bike, we can teach you,” he said. “There is a simple way I invented of removing the pedals that works. I assure you, you will be able to ride a bike after this. I can teach you.”
The bikes will be on display up until January 13.
Get involved on social media by using #CycleToWorkUAE.
osalem@thenational.ae
