Biking to work is becoming an increasingly popular choice for residents in the UAE, especially during the summer months when the temperatures are soaring. Many residents find it practical and beneficial to use a bike for their daily commute, citing reasons such as saving money, health benefits, reducing traffic congestion, and carbon emissions. For example, Dubai resident Mohsin Hasam Palija has saved at least Dh700 monthly by switching from taking a taxi to using a bike for his 8km commute to work. He prefers using a bike-sharing app as it eliminates the need for maintenance and parking worries.
Another resident, Muhammad Naveed, finds biking more convenient than public buses for his daily work commute. He saves about Dh300 monthly by using a bike and values the flexibility and control over his time that biking provides. Both Palija and Naveed emphasize the importance of starting their bike rides early in the morning and taking precautions to stay hydrated and comfortable in the summer heat.
Careem’s bike-sharing app is a popular choice among residents, with a majority using it for work rather than leisure. The app has been praised for offering a practical and sustainable transportation option for daily commutes, with users collectively displacing a significant amount of carbon emissions. The most popular docking stations for work users are JLT, Marina, Mankhool, and Dubai Media City, while leisure users prefer Jumeirah, Dubai Water Canal, Al Khawaneej, and Al Mamzar.
Several benefits come with biking to work, including savings on transportation costs, environmental contributions, and improved health. Biking is an excellent form of exercise that can help in weight loss, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and improve overall fitness levels. Dr. Mohamad Awad, a consultant orthopedic surgeon, highlights the many health benefits of biking, such as reducing pressure on the foot and lowering the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced plans to construct new multi-use tracks for bicycles, scooters, and pedestrians in Dubai, linking neighborhoods and enhancing the city’s cycling infrastructure. With a masterplan to build a bicycle-friendly city by 2030, Dubai aims to extend the current cycling track network’s length from 544km to 1,000 km. Key coastal areas like Jumeirah, Al Sufouh, and Marina will be connected to external tracks via various districts, promoting cycling as a sustainable and efficient mode of transportation.
