Cycling in Dubai: Everything You Need to Know
“Cyclists see considerably more of this beautiful world than any other class of citizens. A good bicycle, well applied, will cure most ills this flesh is heir to” – Dr. K.K. Doty
Cycling is one of the most fun-filled ways to keep your mind and body fit. The fitness enthusiasts in Dubai are big fans of cycling. There are many fitness friendly areas in Dubai. Moreover, the city provides one of the safest cycling tracks for competitive training and recreational cycling path. Hopping on the cycle and riding around is the best way to explore the enchanting city of Dubai.
Whether you are a veteran or new to cycling, there are some essentials for a perfect cycle ride. Here’s the complete list of essentials you need to know for enjoying a carefree, safe, and enjoyable cycling experience in Dubai.
Places For Cycling in Dubai
Choosing the best route for a cycle ride in the concrete jungle of Dubai can be tough. Several places in the city are meant for ideal and carefree cycling. The city will spoil you for choices from dedicated cycling tracks to long cycling trials. You can enjoy your ride without any stress while riding on these tracks.
Nad Al Sheba Cycling Path
Initially, it was used for camel tracks. Now, this track has been converted into a cycling/bike pathway. It is one of the most beautiful tracks for cycling. The path offers some of the stunning views of the city. While riding, you can admire the incredible view of Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai. The luxurious pathway has 3 loops of 4, 6, 8 km equipped with changing rooms, air-conditioned lockers, and a shower facility.
The night-riders need not worry because the track is full of lights. However, it is recommended to have front and back bike lights for additional safety. The path is family-friendly, and you can bring your kids for a cycle ride. The pathway for kids cycling is 850 meters. The specially designed cycling track for children has attractive features like bumps, roundabouts, and street signs, the perfect way to teach them about cycling.
Al Qudra Cycle Path
Al Qudra cycle path provides a fantastic experience to the long-distance riders. The 86 km cycling path offers a breathtaking view of sand-dunes. You even catch a glimpse of wild Arabian oryx—one of the endangered species of UAE and the national animal. The 86 km long pathway has a shorter track of 18 km, which is connected by an intersection. If you are a beginner, this is the best track.
The track has rest stations along the way, or you can also take a break at Bab Al Shams Resort, located at the intersection. If you plan well, you may be able to witness the sunset while riding back. The track is not well lit in the dark. It is advisable to avoid it at night.
Dubai Autodrome
Autodrome organizes a weekly cycling event, one of the most popular options for beginners. It is a closed circuit of 2.5 km. People recovering from injury or starting to cycle after a long break can choose this pathway. The track is otherwise used for motorbike race practices, which is used for cycling every Wednesday between 18:00 to 21:00. The entire family can enjoy riding in a safe, controlled environment. You can take a cycle on rent from the Revolution Cycles, located in the Dubai Autodrome retail area.
Al Barsha Pond Park
Al Barsha Park is a popular family park in the city. The lush greenery and sounds of chirping birds provide a relaxing riding experience. The place is open daily, so you do not have to wait for weekends anymore. Ride when you feel like riding. The family park has a shorter 1500-meter-long track for children. The timings of the park are 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. You can visit this place daily. There is a cycle and equipment shop named Byky, located just outside the park, where you can get cycles for rent.
Mushrif Park
It is a natural gem and one of the oldest parks in Dubai, situated near Khawaneej Road. It has a loop of 4.5 km around the dunes of the park. The park has a separate play area for kids, a tennis court, a football field, and BBQ pits to keep kids engaged. It remains open till 11 PM. However, the bike routes are not well-lit at night. It is advised to have bike lights for the night.
Jumeirah Open Beach Track
If you are looking for a relaxing cycling day, you can head to this beach track, which is great for recreational riding. The pathway of this track is a 2 km run right along with the open view of the beach and magnanimity of Burj Al Arab—an Insta-worthy place for bike rides. Moreover, it is located opposite the Jumeirah Mosque. The entry is free, where you enjoy other amenities such as food stalls and BBQ pits.
Biking Clubs in Dubai
It is more fun to ride around the city with a group of like-minded individuals. Here’s the list of some prominent biking clubs in the city.
Cycle Safe Dubai
The residents of Dubai took a great initiative to form various clubs, which helped motivate ordinary people. This club hosts training rides every Friday at the Al Qudra Cycling Track. Saturday ride includes their famous coffee ride to Bab Al Shams and back to start. The club aims to encourage people to enjoy the fun of cycling. The club also trains the riders about rules and safety measures during cycling.
Dubai Roadsters
This is the first cycling club in the UAE. It constitutes a vibrant group of avid riders with varying skills and fitness levels. To join the club, you just need a good condition cycle, a helmet, lights for night rides, and love for cycling. It organizes various rides throughout the year at different levels and distances.
Laws For Cycling in Dubai
Dubai is well known for fast cars and excellent road conditions. Most lanes meant for fast cars and heavy vehicles are not ideal for cyclists. The government of Dubai not only promotes cycling as a medium to maintain fitness but has laid numerous laws for riders to have a safe cycling experience. Here’s the list of certain rules and guidelines cyclists must follow to enjoy their ride to the fullest:
- Wearing a helmet is compulsory for cyclists.
- Cyclists are banned from entering highways, high-traffic roads, and freeways. The government of UAE encourages its residents to choose link roads or internal roads, which are meant for cycling purposes.
- If a cyclist speeds above 60 miles per hour; he is fined AED 600 approx. The fine is doubled if a person repeats the offense within the same year. Moreover, the police have all the liberty to impound the bicycle of the offender for up to a month.
- Wearing bright-colored clothing is a must for the night riders. Hence, it is advised to avoid biking at night to avoid accidents.
- Double seat cycle riding is strictly prohibited unless designed for two persons. The one who offends may be fined AED 200 or more.
- From June to September, cycling in Dubai is not advisable. The temperature reaches around 50 degrees Celsius. Cycling is not recommended in the daytime as well as at night time. Still, if you go for a ride, it is recommended to stay hydrated.
Things to know when you are new to cycling:
Buying a Bicycle in Dubai
Purchasing a new bicycle is an excellent investment. In the city, most bicycle shop owners are themselves good riders and experts. They can guide you in the best possible way from their experience. If you are a sports player, you need a good quality sports bicycle with high-quality gear.
Equipment for the Cycle
It is always recommended to use all the safety measures. To save from serious injuries: the government of UAE made it compulsory for the residents to use gears while cycling. Padded cycling shorts, helmets are mandatory. The shorts available in sweat absorbing material and lycra helps in making cycling more comfortable. The one who prefers long-distance cycling can carry a spare tube, puncture kit, water bottle, and a pump.
Advantages Of Cycling
Cycling is one of the best workouts. With the help of cycling, you can do the complete body workout at a time. It provides the advantages of strength, endurance, and stamina. Moreover, it also helps build and tone the muscles such as the calves, glutes, and quads. Your core stability, as well as arm strength, may improve with cycling. The energy used by the riders during the uphill and exerting pressure on the pedals can provide resistance training. Exercise is recommended for increasing bone density and enhancing muscle strength.
Summing Up
Cycling is the best way to maintain your health. Moreover, it is also a great way to meet new people having the same passion and make friends in Dubai. It allows you to cure various health diseases, like heart attack, diabetics, heart strokes, and much more. Dubai offers more than dedicated lanes and technical support to riders. It helps bring back the joy of riding a bicycle which is slowly getting lost in this era.