Beware of 'Longtoot': Dubai cycling community's 'off-road' plea to riders

A week after a triathlete was left critically injured in a road accident, and another killed in September, the cycling community in the UAE has highlighted the need to avoid main roads.

“I urge you to be conscious and open minded about what has happened to our friends and consider cycling safely.

“It is our responsibility to ensure we all return home safely and in one piece,” writes a Facebook member of TriDubai, a community that focuses on training triathletes in the emirate.

Mehdi, who hails from Algeria, was hit by a car from behind when he was on his Saturday morning ride.

It is reported he was on the AbuDhabi-Dubai road, near Exit 390, when tragedy struck.

The stretch is labelled ‘Longtoot’ by the riding community, and is branded “unsafe”.

“I have cycled the area called ‘Longtoot’ with many others in the past 11 years and can confess that this area use to be a very safe road to cycle, however, this has changed in the last two-three years due to high traffic.

“This particular area has become a racing track for some and a construction site for others,” writes another Facebooker.
Many from the riding community endorsed this post.

“I agree with you. I decided 1 year ago to not ride EVER on the main roads here. Even if it means not riding,” wrote one member.
“The risks are not worth it - and the risks are increasing.”

Some reasoned that the riding tracks tend to get “monotonous” for some riders, forcing them to explore other places.
The riders in Dubai currently train at the Al Qudra cycling track.

Thomas, who has set up a website that highlights UAE road safety, adds, “We must not forget that these might just be the tip of the iceberg.

“Cycling tracks are for the cycling clubs. But we must not forget that there are many people in Dubai, for whom cycles are their only means of transport. And, they need to be protected as well.”

“Certain initiatives that put us in the right track are that most riders do wear helmets. But, I think this is an issue that has to be tackled. Fortunately or unfortunately, these high-profile cases put this safety issue in focus. We have to understand the magnitude of this problem.”

He suggested quick initiatives like dedicated cycling tracks and also educating riders about their own safety and those of other motorists.

In September this year, Roy Nasr, a Dubai-based triathlete was killed after he was hit by a car near Safa Park during an early morning ride.

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