UAE road safety in spotlight as more cyclists gear up for cooler weather

Cycling groups anticipate more riders taking to the roads of the UAE as the weather cools but experts have warned that safety measures must be in place to avoid accidents.

As the weather cools, safety experts have warned that measures must be in place to avoid accidents between cyclists and other road users. Claudio Peri / EPA

DUBAI // Cycling groups anticipate a rise in the number of riders hitting the roads to train for winter events.

And experts warned that riders must make safety a priority.

“We will see an increase of 25 per cent in numbers over the cooler months,” said Kevin Duell, of Abu Dhabi’s Raha Cycling Group, which organises 120 kilometre and 75km rides at weekends.

“We have been popular, unusually so, even during summer this year when the numbers usually drop. This is an indication there are more cyclists wanting to get out there.”

The Al Wathba Cycling Series in Abu Dhabi is one of the reasons for the rising interest in the capital. The six-event series runs from October to January, with the next scheduled on October 26.

“This is the first real race series in Abu Dhabi, so people want to join and start training,” said Mr Duell. “We encourage cyclists to be visible, as we ride in a big group with support cars. I go out cycling by myself but I don’t think it’s dangerous if you are sensible and ride in safe places.”

In Dubai, riders are preparing for two rides, a 65km race at the end of this month followed by 85km in November, which build up to the Spinneys 92 Cycle Challenge in December.

There is also a timed 19.5km cycle challenge at the Dubai Autodrome and a triathlon series.

“With six months of cooler weather ahead, there are a lot more people interested in cycling,” said Wolfi Hohmann, founder of Dubai Roadsters.

“A lone cyclist on a road or highway is dangerous. We tell single cyclists to stay away from highways for their own safety. A cyclist travels at 35 kilometres and hour to 40kph, and if a car is moving at 60kph there is danger.”

There was safety in numbers, he said.

“Our groups are between 80 to 150 strong, so you cannot miss us.”

Awareness of the health benefits drew enthusiasts.

“Some cycle as a sport, others for fitness and entire families cycle at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. We tell people not to put fitness on hold. Get out of the house, get on the bike and get back in shape,” Mr Hohmann said.

The Dubai cycling community is looking forward to roads connecting the Nad Al Sheba with the Al Qudra track, taking the length of dedicated cycle tracks in the emirate to 180 kilometres.

There are plans for 900km of cycle paths by 2020, according to the Roads and Transport Authority.

Other riders have appealed for awareness among those who ride without safety gear.

“It’s not the job of the police to keep pulling people over or take away their bikes,” said Alison Kirrage, a schoolteacher in Dubai who trains early five times a week.

“There are so many men on the roads at 5am without a light in sight. Few have a helmet or reflective vests, some cycle on the wrong side of the road. I understand they need the bikes to go to work and cannot afford safety equipment. Their employers should be targeted and asked to provide the safety equipment for their staff.”