Abu Dhabi has announced the expansion of its cycling network
On November 2nd, Abu Dhabi made history by becoming the first “Bike City” in the Asian continent.
This recognition, received from the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, has put Abu Dhabi on the same level of cities like Paris, Copenhagen, and Glasgow, as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world.
Alongside this recognition, Abu Dhabi has also announced the expansion of its cycling network from the 300 Km it actually offers, to more than 1,000 km, all in the effort of making biking a part of the resident’s lifestyle and fitness activities.
Cycling has become one of the key activities the Abu Dhabi Executive Council is constantly promoting, as a way of making the city more environmentally conscious, and making residents more active and healthy.
Among the many announcements made these days, the creation of the platform Bike Abu Dhabi will support the Emirates’ ambition of becoming a top leading city in terms of cycling.
The first infrastructure project will be the “Abu Dhabi Loop”.
The Abu Dhabi Loop
Announced as the first infrastructure project of this new era as a recognized Bike City, the Abu Dhabi Loop is a 109 km biking track that will connect several key points all across the city.
The main objective of this new biking track will not only be the promotion of biking as a sport, but also the incorporation of cycling as a transport alternative for citizens to go around the city, minimizing the need for a vehicle.
The Bike Abu Dhabi platform hasn’t revealed a starting date for this project, however, due to the many cycling events the Emirate will be hosting during 2022, we can guess it will kick off construction pretty soon.
Moreover, the Abu Dhabi Loop will be joined by the construction of a new Velodrome. The Velodrome Hudayriyat will owe its name to the Hudayriyat Island, in which it will be located.
The project will count with more than 3,500 seats in the arena meant for track racing, and it’s planned for hosting elite international cycling events, as well as local competitions.
Finally, the Bike Abu Dhabi platform announced several biking competitions that will take place during 2022 and on, like the Abu Dhabi Al Ain Classic (a one-day race), the UCI Urban Cycling World Championship (2022 and 2024 editions), and the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in 2028.
Indoor options
During the summertime (and heat!) you can continue practicing biking or cycling by joining amazing Spin classes.
This will allow you to maintain your endurance and the same pace of session during the hot weather.
Comments 0