Dubai RTA Completes 13 Cycling Tracks, Expands Network as City Earns Global Recognition
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has achieved a significant milestone by completing 13 cycling tracks as part of a master plan that will offer a total of 15 tracks across different areas of the emirate, spanning a combined 162 kilometers. The project forms an integrated cycling network, seamlessly linking existing tracks from Al Khawaneej to Al Mamzar Beach, Al Warqa’a to Saih Al Salam, and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) to Jumeirah.
Major infrastructure projects are in progress to enhance the city’s pedestrian and cycling accessibility. These include large bridges over key roads such as Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Dubai–Al Ain Road, Sheikh Zayed Road, and Al Khail Road. These bridges, connecting neighborhoods such as Al Khawaneej, Al Mamzar Beach, Saih Al Salam, Al Warqa’a, Al Sufouh, Jumeirah, Dubai Hills, and the Mall of the Emirates, are scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2026.
This initiative supports the emirate’s ambitious plan to expand Dubai’s cycling network to 1,000 km by 2030. The RTA’s development strategy has propelled Dubai onto the international stage, earning the city a spot among the world’s top 100 cycling-friendly cities in the 2025 Copenhagenize Index—making Dubai the first city in the Middle East to attain this distinction. The Copenhagenize Index is a prestigious global benchmark evaluating cities based on infrastructure quality, cycling usage rates, corporate support, and progressive mobility policies.
According to Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA):
“The expansion of pedestrian and cycling tracks and bridges reflects the directives of the UAE’s wise leadership to enhance road safety and provide a safe and sustainable mobility environment for all road users. The initiative also supports Dubai’s vision to become a pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly city, while enhancing quality of life and promoting the well-being of residents and visitors.”
“Both existing and planned cycling tracks form an integrated network linking residential areas across the emirate with key destinations and public transport stations, encouraging the use of bicycles and other sustainable individual mobility modes for first- and last-mile journeys.”
“The selection of track locations was based on comprehensive field studies, taking into account population density, land use integration, proximity to major tourism and economic destinations, and connectivity with public transport hubs. These factors contribute to improving traffic flow and enabling safe, smooth mobility for pedestrians and cyclists across Dubai’s road network.”
Al Tayer also highlighted that Dubai’s inclusion in the global Copenhagen Index is a culmination of the city’s expanded focus on a connected and sustainable urban environment under the Dubai Bicycle-Friendly Strategy. The RTA’s initiatives have increased the total length of cycling tracks from 560 km in 2024 to 636 km in 2025, with a cyclist satisfaction rating of 85% for the city’s cycling infrastructure.
Cycling usage has also soared, with the number of cycling trips rising from 46.6 million in 2024 to 57.3 million in 2025, marking a 23.5% increase. Notably, 22.3% of Dubai’s population now has direct access to cycling infrastructure.
Among the completed projects are tracks in Al Khawaneej 2 and Al Barsha 2 under the Model Residential Neighbourhoods Project, totaling 18.5 km—split between 8 km in Al Khawaneej 2 and 10.5 km in Al Barsha 2. A 700-metre cycling track was constructed in the Tolerance District, and the implementation of the Soft Mobility Project boosted accessibility in and around public transport stations such as Al Souk Al Kabeer, Hor Al Anz, Abu Hail, BurJuman, Sharaf DG, Palm Deira, Baniyas, and Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall.
The development also includes 25 km of dedicated tracks for bicycles and e-scooters, upgraded pedestrian walkways, and the roll-out of the Safe Streets concept across internal roads. An additional 7 km of tracks now connects areas to ONPASSIVE Metro Station and Al Quoz Bus Station, while a new pedestrian and cycling bridge over Al Manara Street—measuring 45 metres in length, 5.5 metres in width, and 6 metres in height—improves area connectivity. Access ramps on both sides of the bridge stretch 210 metres, and its architecture reflects the unique character and identity of its surroundings.
Pedestrian and cycling tracks at the entrances of Al Warqa’a link to other regional routes, totaling 11 km, while the Al Shindagha Corridor Development Project added approximately 10 km of new cycling segments.
Through these strategic enhancements, Dubai is fast-tracking its vision of becoming a leading smart, sustainable and health-conscious city—positioning itself as a model for urban mobility in the region and beyond.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
