Cyclists can now look forward to a smooth ride

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has finalised the four areas where special lanes for bicycles would be laid.

Essa Al Dossari, CEO of the Public Transport Agency of the RTA, told Khaleej Times yesterday that these lanes would be operational by next year.

The tracks would be built along the Jumeirah Road between the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and the Al Diyafah Road, Al Mina and Al Mankhool Road, and Al Diyafah (Satwa Roundabout), and Khalid bin Waleed Street and the Dubai Creekside Loop.

"These lanes are under the engineering stage at the moment," said Al Dossari.

The official added that special lanes for public transport would only be on some selective roads.

"We will select some of the roads for these lanes. The project is under calculation at the moment. These lanes would insure that people travelling by buses reach their destinations ealier than those in their private cars.

“This would embolden more people to use buses instead of their cars," he said.

"At present, only seven percent of the people use the public transport modes.

“We are bringing in world class buses with all facilities of comfort so that people can travel in luxury and also save time," added Al Dossari.