Careem rental bike fleet to double in size as Dubai embraces cycling

New coastal bicycle path proves hugely popular in first month

Ride hailing company Careem will double the number of rental bicycles on offer as cycling enjoys a boom in popularity.

A further 950 of its battery-assisted bicycles, at 95 new docking stations, will be available soon.

That will take the number of bicycles the company leases to 1,750.

Areas with new stations include the new cycling track at Jumeirah Beach, Safa Park, Dubai Canal, Dubai Marina, Al Mamzar, Satwa, Jumeirah 1, Khawaneej, Al Jafiliya, Business Bay, Dubai Internet City and Jumeirah Lakes Towers.

Careem plans a further expansion to 3,500 bicycles in 350 locations, according to a news release from Careem and the Roads and Transport Authority.

A new 16 kilometre section of cycling track from Al Sufouh to Kite Beach, Jumeirah Beach and linking with the existing Dubai Canal path has been hugely popular since it opened a month ago.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid cycling along the new path at Jumeirah Beach on Wednesday. Twitter/HHShkMohd

The path runs 16 kilometres along Jumeirah Beach. Twitter/HHShkMohd

Once fully complete, it will connect the existing Jumeirah Street cycle track – parallel to the canal – with the cycle track alongside Dubai Internet City.

“We are expanding Careem Bike in response to the incredible demand we have seen for micro-mobility transport across the UAE," said Bassel Al Nahlaoui, managing director of mobility at Careem.

"More and more people are choosing to travel by bike, for work or leisure."

A Careem bicycle can now be rented for Dh20 a day, Dh50 a week or Dh75 a month, via the app.

An annual pass is available for Dh420. Bicycles must be returned to the docking station after each use.

Bicycle lanes in Dubai have a speed limit of 30kph as standard, dropping to 20kph on tracks that are shared with pedestrians. There is no speed limit on professional tracks such as Al Qudra.

Local laws prohibit cyclists from using any road that allows speeds of 60kph or more.

People renting a bicycle should bring their own helmet and wear it at all times, officials said, citing local laws.

Dubai's best cycling paths – in pictures

Al Qudra cycling track is the longest circuit in Dubai. AFP

Nad Al Sheba is home to a former camel track that now offers cyclists 13km of pathway, with views of Downtown Dubai and Burj Khalifa. Pawan Singh / The National

Dubai Autodrome in Motor City also offers a private 2.4km circuit that's good for beginners and veterans alike. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

A 19km bike track connects Al Khawaneej community to the Mushrif Park pathway. Pawan Singh / The National

Bikers can head to Jumeirah Beach, where a recently completed 16km track extends alongside the shoreline. Sarah Dea / The National

Meydan cycling track is good for families. Victor Besa / The National

Dubai Water Canal has cycling lanes. Pawan Singh / The National

Al Barsha Pond Park also boasts dedicated cycling lanes. Satish Kumar / The National

Al Warqa in Ras Al Khor has shaded cycling lanes. Satish Kumar / The National

The cycle track in Mushrif Park. Antonie Robertson / The National

Expo 2020 Dubai has 10km of cycling tracks, plus bikes for hire and shaded bike stops. Antonie Robertson / The National

Dubai Marina and JBR have dedicated cycling lanes. Satish Kumar / The National

Hatta is a paradise for mountain bikers. Getty Images