Cyclists on footpaths pedalling towards Dubai fines

Cyclists in Dubai beware! You could be paying hefty fines if caught pedaling in the wrong direction.

With an increase in the number of fatal accidents, Dubai Police are targetting cyclists and bikers violating traffic rules.

Cyclists on footpaths designated for walking only will be fined.

Colonel Abdullah Sorour, Director, Naif Police Station, said people cycling and riding motorcycles in  wrong lanes, thereby risking their lives as well as others, will also be fined.

This comes as part of a campaign initiated under the directives of Brigadier Khalil Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Director, General Department of Criminal Investigation to reduce accident rates.

Cyclists and bikers this website spoke to say they ride safely and that police are targetting others. 

"It's a relatively safe route, and I have never had any trouble on my way," says the German Robert Diehl.

"I think police is targeting the roads where riding a bike is really unsafe, like in Deira for example.

"I even see bikers on Sheikh Zayed Road, or other major highways.

"These roads are not for bikers and police should issue fines in order to protect the safety of bikers and motorists on those roads alike."

"I would not think about riding my bike there," says Robert.

"I value my life. But I think I am not causing any harm on my way to work. I use footpaths at some places, but I do not expect to be fined for this. And as long as there is no clear map as to which roads are designated for bike riding, I do not think this would be reasonable either."

When it comes to driving in the opposite direction of traffic, Robert cautions to be aware of this rule. "Police is very clear about this, I think it is to regulate the traffic flow. But I am not used to this. In Germany we drive against traffic, so we can see the traffic coming."

Meanwhile, the campaign targets two-wheelers as well as bicycles and unregistered motorcycles that “are normally ridden along pavements or in the opposite direction of traffic flow".

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