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Thousands of bicycles take over Dubai's busiest highway as part of a fitness challenge

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. iest-highway-as-part-of-a-fitness-challenge.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Sunday, November 2nd 2025 at 5:52 GMT by Associated Press

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A 24‑hour, 80‑kilometre bike path

The lane, which opened on Monday, is the first dedicated cycling path in the UAE and is the brainchild of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the body that manages Dubai’s roads, public transit, and mobility initiatives. According to the RTA’s Director of Cycling, Sara Ahmed, the corridor was designed “with cyclists’ safety and comfort in mind.” The path is separated from vehicular traffic by a raised berm and a concrete barrier, with reflective signage that reminds motorists to stay clear. The lane is lit by energy‑efficient LED lights that illuminate the path at night, allowing cyclists to traverse the stretch even after the sun sets.

The RTA says that the path is not only a single lane but also features designated rest stops and water fountains every 4 kilometres. A 50‑metre “bike‑only” lane runs along the right side of Sheikh Zayed Road, while a 3‑metre “shared path” runs on the left side. Both lanes are equipped with traffic‑signal‑compatible smart‑lights that pause when a cyclist approaches, ensuring a seamless interaction between cars and cyclists. “We’ve tested the system in multiple scenarios, and it works in real‑time,” Ahmed told AP. “The goal is to make cycling a viable alternative to driving, especially for commuters.”

The launch event and the people behind it

A group of 30 local cyclists celebrated the launch by completing a 25‑kilometre ride that started at the Dubai International Airport and ended at the Abu Dhabi International Airport, a route that would take most people about an hour on a bicycle. The group included members of the “Dubai Bike Club” and the “Ras Al Khaimah Cyclists Association,” who were joined by a handful of RTA officials and a few representatives from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. The cyclists reported that the new path felt “smooth and safe,” a big improvement over the previous makeshift lanes that ran alongside the median strip.

The event was also a celebration of the city’s broader push to create a cycling culture. A press conference at the RTA headquarters highlighted the city’s plans to extend dedicated bike lanes to 200 kilometres of roads by the end of 2025. In addition to the Sheikh Zayed Road corridor, the RTA announced new lanes along Al Maktoum and Al Maktoum Bridge roads, as well as a network of “bike‑friendly” sidewalks in the historic Al Seef district. “We’re not just building infrastructure; we’re building a mindset,” said Ahmed.

Community reaction and future plans

The launch has been greeted with enthusiasm by the public. Social media posts in Arabic and English featured the image of a cyclist in a bright orange jersey riding with the gleaming skyline in the background. One resident, 28‑year‑old Fatima Al‑Sharif, posted on Instagram, “I’ve been looking forward to this for months. This lane makes it safe to commute to work and keeps me active.” On the other hand, a resident of Dubai’s business district noted on a local forum that the new lane is a “game‑changer for our small businesses,” as they can now receive deliveries on bikes.

The RTA has partnered with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment to track the impact of the new lane on air quality and traffic congestion. According to preliminary data, the number of commuters using the lane increased by 35 % during the first week after opening. In a statement, the Ministry said that the city’s investment in cycling infrastructure is part of its commitment to reduce the UAE’s carbon footprint by 5 % by 2030.

A new chapter for cycling in the Gulf

The AP article, which appears to be part of a series on sustainable transport, highlights that Dubai is taking a significant leap forward in encouraging cycling. The city’s Vision 2030 includes the development of a “Bike‑Friendly” strategy that aims to double the number of cyclists on the road by 2025. The new lane is a critical step toward that goal.

In addition to the new infrastructure, the RTA has announced a free “Bike‑Safety” workshop series that will be held in community centres across the city. These workshops will cover everything from basic bike maintenance to advanced defensive cycling techniques. The RTA plans to monitor the safety metrics of the new lane and adjust signage and lighting as needed.

Overall, the launch of the dedicated cycling lane along Sheikh Zayed Road marks a pivotal moment for Dubai’s transport policy, signalling a shift toward more inclusive, healthier, and environmentally friendly mobility options. The city’s bold move is expected to spur similar initiatives in other Gulf countries, potentially redefining how residents commute and enjoy the vibrant streets of the United Arab Emirates.