A top official in Doha, Qatar recently announced that all new road project designs will include pedestrian and cycling tracks to promote non-motorized modes of transportation and micro-mobility options such as bicycles and e-scooters. Saleh Saeed Al Marri, the Acting Director of Land Transport Network Planning Department in the Ministry of Transport, stated that all new road designs will prioritize these tracks to support the country’s vision of building a safe, sustainable, and environmentally friendly transportation system by 2030. A large-scale field survey was conducted as part of updating the Qatar Bicycle Master Plan to focus on integrating cycling tracks with intersections and improving access to other modes of transportation according to the outcomes of the comprehensive transportation plan launched by the Minister of Transport in 2022.
Al Marri emphasized that several elements must be considered for pedestrian tracks according to the comprehensive transportation plan, and the previously approved study for bicycles needed to be updated. The goals of the study include encouraging the use of bicycles among citizens and residents, enhancing traffic safety, improving infrastructure for bicycle facilities and micro-mobility options, and enhancing regulations and laws related to them. The project for updating the bicycle master plan is being implemented in seven phases, with the first phase involving collecting and analyzing data available at the Ministry of Transport and its strategic partners, followed by a field survey to gather feedback from cyclists and users of micro-mobility means.
One of the significant challenges for cyclists in Qatar is the hot weather and climate, which requires users to adapt and learn how to manage. Al Marri stated that increasing traffic safety levels would encourage more people to utilize bicycles, and integrating cycling tracks with other public transportation options is essential. Qatar has made significant progress in providing infrastructure for pedestrian and cycling tracks, with the Public Works Authority developing over 2,000km of tracks between 2013 and 2022. Additionally, shared pedestrian and cycling tracks have been established on the eastern side of Al Khor Road, spanning 38km and integrating with the Olympic Cycling Track on the western side of the highway.
In conclusion, Qatar is making strides towards promoting non-motorized modes of transportation and micro-mobility options through the inclusion of pedestrian and cycling tracks in all new road project designs. The country’s efforts align with its vision of building a sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation system by 2030. By updating the Qatar Bicycle Master Plan and focusing on integrating cycling tracks with intersections and other modes of transportation, Qatar aims to improve traffic safety, infrastructure for bicycle facilities, and regulations associated with cycling and micro-mobility options. With ongoing projects and surveys aimed at gathering feedback from users, Qatar is committed to enhancing its infrastructure for pedestrian and cycling tracks to provide safe and accessible transportation options for its citizens and residents.
