Dubai is rapidly expanding its cycling infrastructure, opening 13 new tracks as part of a larger plan to encourage sustainable transportation and enhance the city’s appeal as a cycling destination. The newly completed tracks, totaling 162 kilometers in length, connect key residential areas with major destinations and public transport hubs, marking a significant step towards the Roads and Transport Authority’s (RTA) ambitious goal of a 1,000-kilometer cycling network by 2030. This commitment to cycling infrastructure is already earning Dubai international recognition, with the city recently being named among the world’s top 100 most cycling-friendly cities.
The expansion isn’t simply about adding kilometers of track; it’s about integration. According to Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, the network is designed to facilitate “first- and last-mile journeys,” making it easier for residents and visitors to incorporate cycling into their daily commutes. ARN News Centre reports that the locations were strategically chosen based on population density, land use, proximity to tourist attractions, and connections to public transportation.
A Network Taking Shape: Key Connections
The new tracks create vital links across the emirate. Connections now extend from Al Khawaneej to Al Mamzar Beach, offering a scenic route for leisure cyclists. Another segment links Al Warqa’a to Saih Al Salam, providing a practical option for commuters. Perhaps most significantly, a new track connects the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) to Jumeirah, integrating the city’s business and tourism hubs into the growing cycling network. These connections are designed to be seamless, encouraging residents to choose cycling for shorter trips.
The RTA’s investment appears to be resonating with the public. Data released by the authority shows a substantial increase in cycling activity. The number of cycling trips rose from 46.6 million in 2024 to 57.3 million in 2025, a 23.5 percent increase. According to the RTA’s official website, cyclist satisfaction with the infrastructure has reached 85 percent, and 22.3 percent of Dubai’s population now has access to cycling facilities.
Bridging the Gaps: Upcoming Infrastructure
The current expansion is just the first phase of a larger infrastructure project. Work is underway on a series of pedestrian and cycling bridges designed to overcome major road crossings and further enhance connectivity. These include bridges over Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Dubai–Al Ain Road, Sheikh Zayed Road, and Al Khail Road. These bridges, scheduled for completion in the second quarter of this year, will connect previously isolated sections of the network, creating a more cohesive and accessible system.
The Model Residential Neighbourhoods Project has already added 18.5 km of tracks, including 8 km in Al Khawaneej 2 and 10.5 km in Al Barsha 2. A 700-meter track in the Tolerance District is likewise part of this initiative, alongside improvements around key public transport stations like BurJuman, Sharaf DG, Palm Deira, Baniyas, and Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. Further additions include 25 km of dedicated tracks for bicycles and e-scooters, and a 7km track connecting to the ONPASSIVE Metro Station and Al Quoz Bus Station.
Dubai’s Rise as a Cycling Hub
Dubai’s commitment to cycling infrastructure has not gone unnoticed internationally. The city has earned a place among the world’s top 100 cycling-friendly cities in the 2025 Copenhagenize Index, becoming the first city in the Middle East to achieve this distinction. The Copenhagenize Index assesses cities based on a range of factors, including infrastructure, safety, and advocacy. Copenhagenize, the organization behind the index, emphasizes the importance of creating safe and accessible cycling environments to promote sustainable transportation.
Recent additions include a pedestrian and cycling bridge over Al Manara Street, measuring 45 meters in length, and new tracks at the entrances of Al Warqa’a, adding another 11 km to the network. The Al Shindagha Corridor Development Project has also contributed approximately 10 km of new cycling tracks.
The RTA’s long-term vision extends beyond simply building tracks. The authority is focused on creating a comprehensive ecosystem that supports cycling, including secure bike parking facilities, bike-sharing programs, and educational initiatives to promote cycling safety. This holistic approach is crucial for encouraging widespread adoption of cycling as a viable mode of transportation.
Looking ahead, the RTA will continue to monitor cyclist usage and satisfaction levels to inform future infrastructure improvements. The next major milestone will be the completion of the planned pedestrian and cycling bridges in the second quarter of 2025, further solidifying Dubai’s position as a leading cycling city. The ongoing expansion of the network promises to make cycling an even more attractive and convenient option for residents and visitors alike.
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