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Including what the law says, and the best places, routes and cycle paths across the emirate
30 July 2013
| Last updated on 26 March 2019
Cycling is the perfect way to keep fit, active and get outdoors - even in Dubai.
In fact, pedal power is a great way to get around and has many health benefits. Over recent years, Dubai's government has installed several, great cycle paths around the emirate. As a result, cycling has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the country.
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Despite busy roads and fast cars, Dubai offers several safe places to freely practice cycling - and when the weather is cooler during the winter months, it's the perfect opportunity to whip out your bicycle.
But before we get started telling you the great places to cycle, there's one important thing to remember...
Always, always wear a helmet!
Helmets can be bought at many sports shops, and vary in price - from 150 Dhs to over 1,000 Dhs depending on the brand, style, and material.
Always make sure you have lights on your bike if you're cycling at night, and make sure to wear reflective or high-visibility clothing... There have been incidents in the past where cyclists have been knocked off their bikes, so take care!
UAE laws about cycling in Dubai
When it comes to cycling in Dubai, there are certain laws that should be remembered when out and about to ensure the safety of yourself and others while you enjoy your ride...
- Cyclists are banned from riding on major roads
- Cyclists found riding on roads with speed limits of more than 60kph face fines of up to AED 600
- That fine will be doubled for a second offence in the same year
- Authorities have the right to impound a bike for a month if repeated
- AED 300 fine will be imposed on those that ride in a way that endangers pedestrians/other cyclists
- If found cycling on a track dedicated only for pedestrians, fined AED 200
- Those carrying a passenger on a bike not designed for two will be fined AED 200
- Motorists who drive/park their vehicles on dedicated bike tracks will be fined AED 300
The best places to cycle in Dubai
Over recent years, Dubai has added more cycling tracks and routes - offering 1,000s of km for cyclists to make use of across the emirate. Some of the best places to cycle and cycle tracks in Dubai are:
- Nad Al Sheba Cycle Path; previously known as Meydan Cycle Track, this route offers 4km, 6km and 8km tracks for cyclists with fabulous views of Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai
- Al Qudra Cycle Track; with an 18km track and 50km track, this popular cycling spot caters for all abilities
- Dubai Autodrome; This closed 2.46km is safe from cars, and is open to cyclists on Wednesday nights
- Al Barsha Park; this popular green space offers cycling tracks for recreational cyclists
- Mushrif Park; as above, this huge Dubai park has routes for casual cycling
- Dubai Canal; this new addition to Dubai's landscape brings with it a 12km cycling track
- Al Warqa'a Jogging and Cycling Track; this green space is perfect for outdoor athletes and cyclists, and offers a 3.55km cycle track
- Jumeirah Cycling Track; this relaxing, 2km cycling route offers superb views of Burj Al Arab
For those of you living in communities such as Arabian Ranches, The Springs or Dubai Marina have access to quieter roads and promenades that are good for recreational cycling.
Where to hire a bike in Dubai
If you don't own a bike, places like Dubai Marina, Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Palm Jumeirah and Downtown Dubai offer bicycles for hire. Head to the nearest Byky station and rent a bike for 30 minutes for just AED 15.
How to cycle in Dubai's heat
Cyclists and other outdoor athletes are usually the first to notice rising temperatures as Dubai's summer nears each year. And the hotter it is, the faster you lose fluids when you ride.
Fluids are crucial to the performance of a cyclist - we're all big bags of fluid, essentially, and our blood contains about 50% water. Because water helps keep us cool, a loss of only one percent of our body weight as sweat means a significant loss of speed and endurance.
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We know you've heard it before, but when you're cycling in Dubai - drink, drink, drink!
Saying that it's amazing how many cyclists heed this advice. They forget to drink because of the excitement of the ride, then they wilt before the end. But proper hydration is easy with these tips...
- Ride early or late - you'll need to replace fewer fluids if you ride when it's cooler
- Practice drinking on your bike so you're confident cycling using one hand for a short while
- Pre-hydrate to make sure you're well hydrated before the ride
- Drink during the ride - your body’s sensation of thirst lags behind its need for liquid, always sip from your bottle before you get thirsty because when you feel thirsty, it’s already too late
- Hydrate after the ride and compare your weight before/after - if you're lost weight, drink 20 ounces of fluid for each pound of bodyweight you’re down
- Restore your sodium levels by consuming a sports drink that contains at least 100mg of sodium per 8 ounces
Cycling clubs and groups in Dubai
Want to join a group to help encourage you to get out there and ride? Here's a few of the most well-known cycling clubs in Dubai...
Cycle Safe Dubai
Meeting every Wednesday at Dubai Autodrome, Cycle Safe Dubai is a great initiative. The group was set-up as a way to get cyclists off the couch and back onto their bikes. Whether you're a pro or first-timer, the track and this group are a great way to get back into the sport and be outdoors. For more information, visit www.cyclechallenge.ae.
Velo Vixens
Cycling is not just exercising for this Dubai-based cycling group - they ride because they love it. Inviting women to ride with them, the group strive to improve, explore and push themselves further. The group is a mix of yoga teachers, personal trainers, nutritionists, swim coaches, iron women and more... And the group is a network of really supportive women who like to get outdoors and stay fit. For more information about the group, join their Facebook page here.
Dubai Roadsters
The Dubai Roadsters are a diverse group of riders with a variety of skills and fitness levels and have been riding in Dubai from before the year 2000. All riders are welcome to join the weekly rides as long as they have a bike in good working condition, a helmet, and lights for the night rides. Most importantly you must have a passion for cycling. For more information, visit www.dubairoadsters.com.
