Cyclists under the age of 12 should be accompanied by an adult cyclist who is 18 or older
ExpandAutoplay
.Listen In EnglishListen in ArabicBeta V.1.0 – Powered by automated translation
Dubai has announced new regulations governing the use of bicycles, electric bikes and scooters in the emirate.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, has issued a resolution that aims to improve safety and help transform the emirate into a bicycle-friendly city.
It also seeks to reduce traffic congestion by encouraging the use of alternative means of transport.
The new regulations state that anyone riding an electric scooter or any other type of bike as specified by the RTA, must have a driving licence permit (issued by the RTA).
Electric scooters provided for rentals should only be used in the areas and tracks designated for them by RTA.
Riders of electric bikes and electric scooters should also respect speed limits.
The resolution says cyclists should not use their bicycles on roads where the speed limit is more than 60kph.
Cyclists and bikers should not ride on jogging or walking tracks.
Reckless practices that can endanger safety, such as hooking to a vehicle while biking, are prohibited.
One-handed cycling and biking should be strictly avoided except when riders need to use their hands for signalling.
Reflective vests and helmets are a must for cyclists and bikers.
Carrying passengers on bicycles and electric bikes is not permitted unless the bikes have separate seats for them.
ExpandAutoplay
Minimum age
The resolution states that cyclists under 12 should be accompanied by an adult cyclist who is 18 or older.
Riders younger than 16 are not permitted to operate an electric bike or electric scooter or any other type of bike specified by the RTA. A driving licence is essential to ride electric scooters.
Riding bikes or bicycles without receiving the RTA’s approval, either for group training (more than four cyclists/bikers), or individual training (less than four), is prohibited.
Riders should always make sure they do not obstruct cycling tracks.
Group cycling
Those conducting group cycling training, for more than four cyclists, should ensure they have received RTA approval.
They should also ensure that they have notified Dubai Police, Dubai Sports Council, UAE Cycling Federation and Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services about the vehicles used to accompany cyclists to ensure their safety.
READ MORESheikh Mohammed tests new cycle path at Jumeirah Beach, DubaiCareem rental bike fleet to double in size as Dubai embraces cyclingEight popular cycling tracks in Dubai, from Al Qudra to Jumeirah
Riders of these vehicles should be trained in accordance with RTA’s approved training programmes developed in co-ordination with the UAE Cycling Federation.
The safety vehicle should maintain a safe distance of 15 metres from bicycles in case the cyclists ride at a speed of less than 30kph. The training exercises should be recorded with front and rear video cameras.
Penalties
Failure to adhere to laws and regulations governing cycling and biking or endangering the safety of other cyclists, vehicles and pedestrians can bring penalties.
These include confiscation of a bike for 30 days in case of repeat violations within a year of the first violation and bans on riding the bike for specific periods.
In case the violation is committed by someone under 18, his or her parent or legal guardian will be responsible for paying any fine.
Failure to pay the fine will lead to confiscation of the bike (similar to the regulation for confiscation of the vehicle).
Updated: March 31, 2022, 2:06 PM
