Please do NOT cycle on the roads in Arabian Ranches | Page 2 | ExpatWoman.com
 

Please do NOT cycle on the roads in Arabian Ranches

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EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 16:06
I believe ecochic will find her statement: [b'>Dubai government rule - if a cyclist dies on the roads, the vehicle driver is not imprisoned as the cyclist is at fault for not following the law.[/b'> is not as categorical as she thinks. Dubai FAQ says: "UAE Federal Law No. 21 of 1995, and Ministerial Order No. 130 of 1997 cover the use of bicycles in the UAE. Article 16 of the law says that cyclists should ride on the right of the road, should not ride on the footpath, should use cycle tracks where available, and are not permitted to ride on[b'> main roads[/b'>." Roads inside compounds such as AR are hardly main roads. <em>edited by simpleasabc on 11/11/2012</em>
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 15:15
Roads are not meant for Cyclist in this country... don't blame the reckless drivers... way too many times I have seen cyclists who take up the entire lane at the ranches and cars have to wait till the second lane gets free so they can over take.... no amount of honking will make them move towards the side, it's just not right they cycle on the main road as it's UNSAFE and no amount of safety gear can safe a life. if you can't cycle on the bricked pavement (like so many other do) drive to jumeriah beach or other places which offer cycle lanes for long distances and stop causing problems with the residents who are returning home. Dubai government rule - if a cyclist dies on the roads, the vehicle driver is not imprisoned as the cyclist is at fault for not following the law. I was about to get all uppity with you about roads not being meant for cyclists in this country, but then read your last sentence. :( :\: Thank you, I've learned something new today. Along with the fact a tenant is at fault for trusting a contract concluded with an agent appointed by the landlord. ;)
437
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 15:14
I saw it too. If you are going to ride, you need to wear a reflective vest! A few minutes after I saw the poor person lying on the ground, another cyclist was almost hit because he was too dark to see. The little reflectors on your bike just aren't enough. It happened to me in broad daylight. Nothing will save you from reckless drivers. Wendopia, tell me not to! Not worth it. Roads are not meant for Cyclist in this country... don't blame the reckless drivers... way too many times I have seen cyclists who take up the entire lane at the ranches and cars have to wait till the second lane gets free so they can over take.... no amount of honking will make them move towards the side, it's just not right they cycle on the main road as it's UNSAFE and no amount of safety gear can safe a life. if you can't cycle on the bricked pavement (like so many other do) drive to jumeriah beach or other places which offer cycle lanes for long distances and stop causing problems with the residents who are returning home. Dubai government rule - if a cyclist dies on the roads, the vehicle driver is not imprisoned as the cyclist is at fault for not following the law. Nonsense. Where did you get this misinformation? The driver who hit me is in prison because he broke the road rules by speeding out of a junction. How can this be the cyclist's fault? There is no rule against cyclists on the road. Motorists don't own the roads. Why is it unsafe on the roads? Because of speeding honking cars that have no consideration for other people. We're talking about a RESIDENTIAL area here not Emirates road.
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 15:04
Roads are not meant for Cyclist in this country... don't blame the reckless drivers... way too many times I have seen cyclists who take up the entire lane at the ranches and cars have to wait till the second lane gets free so they can over take.... no amount of honking will make them move towards the side, it's just not right they cycle on the main road as it's UNSAFE and no amount of safety gear can safe a life. if you can't cycle on the bricked pavement (like so many other do) drive to jumeriah beach or other places which offer cycle lanes for long distances and stop causing problems with the residents who are returning home. Dubai government rule - if a cyclist dies on the roads, the vehicle driver is not imprisoned as the cyclist is at fault for not following the law. I was about to get all uppity with you about roads not being meant for cyclists in this country, but then read your last sentence. :( :\: Thank you, I've learned something new today. Along with the fact a tenant is at fault for trusting a contract concluded with an agent appointed by the landlord.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 15:01
Of course they are wide enough. If the road is wide enough for a car how can it not be wide enough for a bike?! Cars should give as wide a berth to bikes as they do cars. Cars do not own the roads despite what many think. Stop blaming the cyclists. If cars don't stop at junctions/roundabouts and LOOK before they fly out you could be wearing a neon pink outfit it won't make any difference. Im talking abut broad daylight!! I'm afraid cars and bikes do not coexist peacefully around the world. Look at Bradley Wiggins and his coach both in accidents last week. I didn't say they co-exist peacefully but they do co-exist. Cars and other cars don't manage to co-exist peacefully on the roads let alone cars and bikes. My point was that I disagree with the knee jerk reaction to an accident being that people should not cycle on the roads in the Ranches. What if a pedestrian gets hit, ban pedestrians? Or two cars have an accident, ban cars? When I was at school a friend was killed whilst out on his bike. It was his fault and a moment's inattention cost him his life. It was a tragic, tragic accident but no one, not even the driver who hit him suggested for a moment that bikes should be banned from the roads. As unfortunate as they are, accidents are going to happen and the answer is not banning anything.[/quote I get your point Daza. I am biased as I was hit by someone who didn't stop/look and I'm very lucky that it wasn't worse. It was the most frightening and painful experience and not worth the risk. I'm advising/suggesting cyclists stay off the roads, not that they're banned, because no matter how careful you are you can't predict the stupidity of drivers who don't abide by basic road rules.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 14:03
I saw it too. If you are going to ride, you need to wear a reflective vest! A few minutes after I saw the poor person lying on the ground, another cyclist was almost hit because he was too dark to see. The little reflectors on your bike just aren't enough. It happened to me in broad daylight. Nothing will save you from reckless drivers. Wendopia, tell me not to! Not worth it. Roads are not meant for Cyclist in this country... don't blame the reckless drivers... way too many times I have seen cyclists who take up the entire lane at the ranches and cars have to wait till the second lane gets free so they can over take.... no amount of honking will make them move towards the side, it's just not right they cycle on the main road as it's UNSAFE and no amount of safety gear can safe a life. if you can't cycle on the bricked pavement (like so many other do) drive to jumeriah beach or other places which offer cycle lanes for long distances and stop causing problems with the residents who are returning home. Dubai government rule - if a cyclist dies on the roads, the vehicle driver is not imprisoned as the cyclist is at fault for not following the law.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 13:32
Of course they are wide enough. If the road is wide enough for a car how can it not be wide enough for a bike?! Cars should give as wide a berth to bikes as they do cars. Cars do not own the roads despite what many think. Stop blaming the cyclists. If cars don't stop at junctions/roundabouts and LOOK before they fly out you could be wearing a neon pink outfit it won't make any difference. Im talking abut broad daylight!! I'm afraid cars and bikes do not coexist peacefully around the world. Look at Bradley Wiggins and his coach both in accidents last week. I didn't say they co-exist peacefully but they do co-exist. Cars and other cars don't manage to co-exist peacefully on the roads let alone cars and bikes. My point was that I disagree with the knee jerk reaction to an accident being that people should not cycle on the roads in the Ranches. What if a pedestrian gets hit, ban pedestrians? Or two cars have an accident, ban cars? When I was at school a friend was killed whilst out on his bike. It was his fault and a moment's inattention cost him his life. It was a tragic, tragic accident but no one, not even the driver who hit him suggested for a moment that bikes should be banned from the roads. As unfortunate as they are, accidents are going to happen and the answer is not banning anything.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 13:06
Some drivers drive so quickly on the roads. I always cycle on the paths but they are too narrow for cyclists and pedestrians. It can be difficult to overtake from behind if a group is walking and chatting and I feel a bit rude ringing the bell too loudly! I wish there was a cycling lane around the Ranches;it would be lovely to have one through the wide landscaped area which runs around the perimeter and which currently has no path. We have the original AR brochure from Emaar which promised "riding trails" through the Ranches! Perhaps we should all write to Emaar and request a cycling path. This was asked for many years ago at the Lakes and they had no idea what it was - they thought a cycling path is an oval circle:\:
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 12:51
I have a very different opinion, the Ranches is for residents only not for any non resident to pop along, park up outside on the sand and use our facilities. As a paying landlord and tenant of maintenance charges i dont see why people should think they can just come along and use the cycle tracks and paths to train on when they dont live there. The accident last night involved a resident of the Ranches but time and time again i see a large number of bikes racing round the Ranches on their speed bikes. Its not the right place for this kind of activity. He is in a serious condition with a broken back, ribs, nose etc. Please guys, find somewhere else more safe that you are entitled to use. Well I'm a resident hit by a taxi driver who obviously doesn't live in the ranches. Whether you're a resident or not doesn't excuse reckless driving. Time and time again I see people drive their cars at speed round the ranches, it's not the place for that is it? It's residential. I should be able to ride my bike around the ranches for exercise or just to get somewhere but I never will again now because of a reckless driver who thankfully is in prison.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 12:48
Sorry it wasnt directed at anyone in particular but the Ranches is a community for people that live there, its not a free for all, landlords have to pay the maintenance charges to upkeep the communal areas, it clearly says on entry FOR RESIDENTS ONLY.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 12:45
I have a very different opinion, the Ranches is for residents only not for any non resident to pop along, park up outside on the sand and use our facilities. As a paying landlord and tenant of maintenance charges i dont see why people should think they can just come along and use the cycle tracks and paths to train on when they dont live there. The accident last night involved a resident of the Ranches but time and time again i see a large number of bikes racing round the Ranches on their speed bikes. Its not the right place for this kind of activity. He is in a serious condition with a broken back, ribs, nose etc. Please guys, find somewhere else more safe that you are entitled to use. Oh, I am sorry, I didn't realise it was a closed community! Silly me, and I thought the road to the school and shops were public highways.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 12:32
I have a very different opinion, the Ranches is for residents only not for any non resident to pop along, park up outside on the sand and use our facilities. As a paying landlord and tenant of maintenance charges i dont see why people should think they can just come along and use the cycle tracks and paths to train on when they dont live there. The accident last night involved a resident of the Ranches but time and time again i see a large number of bikes racing round the Ranches on their speed bikes. Its not the right place for this kind of activity. He is in a serious condition with a broken back, ribs, nose etc. Please guys, find somewhere else more safe that you are entitled to use.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 12:26
The roads in the Ranches are plenty big enough for cars and cyclists if everyone would just show a bit more consideration for other road users. Cyclists need to make sure they are visible and follow the road rules and cars need to slow down and take more care. To ban bikes from the roads is ridiculous, having an active community is a good thing and one of the things I love about the Ranches. Cars and bikes manage to co-exist on much smaller roads the world over, are Ranches residents really so inconsiderate that it's not possible here? I hope all involved in the accident this morning are ok. Of course they are wide enough. If the road is wide enough for a car how can it not be wide enough for a bike?! Cars should give as wide a berth to bikes as they do cars. Cars do not own the roads despite what many think. Stop blaming the cyclists. If cars don't stop at junctions/roundabouts and LOOK before they fly out you could be wearing a neon pink outfit it won't make any difference. Im talking abut broad daylight!! I'm afraid cars and bikes do not coexist peacefully around the world. Look at Bradley Wiggins and his coach both in accidents last week.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 12:21
I've started riding with a group of ladies around the Ranches recently. We thought we had chosen a time of the morning that had little traffic (after school drop off etc) but have noticed that even in 'off peak' drivers still choose to use the back straight as a race track. There are a lot of people out training for this Spinneys ride coming up and I wonder if there are just more people trying to fit their distance in any way they can. [b'>I've seen cyclists riding around town half way out on the road instead of being as close to the kerb as possible.[/b'>Yes, there is the Al Qudra track but there has been cycling accidents while riders make their way to that and unfortunately cars have been seen driving on the cycling path so nowhere is safe from stupidity. I agree with Drownedinthenile - regardless of the traffic, many cyclists are not wearing appropriate clothing and enough lights on their bikes. Helmets can have an extra light attached as well as the back of the bike - they are cheap and do the trick when they are turned on. Hopefully all bike shops in the UAE are carrying extra reflective clothing, waistbands, ankle straps etc by now. Cyclists - make yourself visible and eliminate some of the risks of being on the road with cars - roads over here weren't made for both. In the UK the standard practice is for cyclists to ride in the middle of the lane - a pain for traffic behind them if you ask me but it's supposed to be the safest way..... our taxi drove past the aftermath of that accident last night and we saw the policeman picking up the flattened bike.... 10 seconds later a gardener on a bike came up behind us without a single light on !! Cycling safety is a hot topic in the UK at the moment following the two recent accidents of Bradley Wiggins and Shane Sutton..
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 09:58
I agree with Daza. The roads are wide enough, plus the speed limit is 40km/hr. If people would slow down and simply push over when passing a cyclist, there would be no problem. The main problem is the crazies whipping by at 90 and not caring about anyone else around them, as well as the cyclists who aren't wearing proper protective clothing and equipment!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 09:55
The roads in the Ranches are plenty big enough for cars and cyclists if everyone would just show a bit more consideration for other road users. Cyclists need to make sure they are visible and follow the road rules and cars need to slow down and take more care. To ban bikes from the roads is ridiculous, having an active community is a good thing and one of the things I love about the Ranches. Cars and bikes manage to co-exist on much smaller roads the world over, are Ranches residents really so inconsiderate that it's not possible here? I hope all involved in the accident this morning are ok.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 09:22
Some drivers drive so quickly on the roads. I always cycle on the paths but they are too narrow for cyclists and pedestrians. It can be difficult to overtake from behind if a group is walking and chatting and I feel a bit rude ringing the bell too loudly! . Footpaths (as the name implies) are not meant for bikes and cycling on them is not right. There is a cycle path on Jumeriah open beach and also some cycle routes around the city. Hopefully some good comes out of accidents (as unfortunate as they are) such as lobbying RTA and the Cycling Federations to provide further safe venues and paths specifically for cyclists. I know this is a major priority for the current Ruler as he was behind the Al Qudra track and the Nad Al Sheba bike park.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 08:26
Some drivers drive so quickly on the roads. I always cycle on the paths but they are too narrow for cyclists and pedestrians. It can be difficult to overtake from behind if a group is walking and chatting and I feel a bit rude ringing the bell too loudly! . Footpaths (as the name implies) are not meant for bikes and cycling on them is not right. There is a cycle path on Jumeriah open beach and also some cycle routes around the city.
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 08:08
Some drivers drive so quickly on the roads. I always cycle on the paths but they are too narrow for cyclists and pedestrians. It can be difficult to overtake from behind if a group is walking and chatting and I feel a bit rude ringing the bell too loudly! I wish there was a cycling lane around the Ranches;it would be lovely to have one through the wide landscaped area which runs around the perimeter and which currently has no path. We have the original AR brochure from Emaar which promised "riding trails" through the Ranches! Perhaps we should all write to Emaar and request a cycling path.
294
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 08:01
I've started riding with a group of ladies around the Ranches recently. We thought we had chosen a time of the morning that had little traffic (after school drop off etc) but have noticed that even in 'off peak' drivers still choose to use the back straight as a race track. There are a lot of people out training for this Spinneys ride coming up and I wonder if there are just more people trying to fit their distance in any way they can. I've seen cyclists riding around town half way out on the road instead of being as close to the kerb as possible. Yes, there is the Al Qudra track but there has been cycling accidents while riders make their way to that and unfortunately cars have been seen driving on the cycling path so nowhere is safe from stupidity. I agree with Drownedinthenile - regardless of the traffic, many cyclists are not wearing appropriate clothing and enough lights on their bikes. Helmets can have an extra light attached as well as the back of the bike - they are cheap and do the trick when they are turned on. Hopefully all bike shops in the UAE are carrying extra reflective clothing, waistbands, ankle straps etc by now. Cyclists - make yourself visible and eliminate some of the risks of being on the road with cars - roads over here weren't made for both.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 07:49
Those roads aren't wide enough for both bicyclists and cars and bike riding shouldn't be allowed on the streets. It isn't fair to the drivers - whose lives will also be ruined if they hit someone.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 07:38
I saw it too. If you are going to ride, you need to wear a reflective vest! A few minutes after I saw the poor person lying on the ground, another cyclist was almost hit because he was too dark to see. The little reflectors on your bike just aren't enough. It happened to me in broad daylight. Nothing will save you from reckless drivers. Wendopia, tell me not to! Not worth it.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 07:09
I saw it too. If you are going to ride, you need to wear a reflective vest! A few minutes after I saw the poor person lying on the ground, another cyclist was almost hit because he was too dark to see. The little reflectors on your bike just aren't enough.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 06:50
Saw the poor cyclist 2 seconds after it happened. Anyone know him/her and if they are ok? It happened before sunset on a 2 lane road, so person should have had a safe distance from the vehicles... so scary, my husband cycles that road every other morning!
 
 

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