Cycle towards an active lifestyle

With #cycletoworkUAE, we are shedding light on the challenges and rewards of biking

The main objective of #cycletoworkUAE is to increase public awareness and change attitudes towards cycling. Pawan Singh / The National)
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Our second annual #cycletoworkUAE campaign kicks off today with the goal of building a culture that supports and fosters regular cycling and active lifestyles. An estimated 1,500 readers took part in the event last year and we are optimistic that even more people will ditch their cars and pedal to work on January 12, 2016.

We fully recognise the impediments that cyclists encounter. Our streets have been designed for cars and we don’t yet have enough dedicated cycling tracks to allow people to ride safely. More importantly, drivers are not used to seeing any other kind of commuter on the roads. #cycletoworkUAE is a great way to facilitate a shift in this mentality.

The main objective of #cycletoworkUAE is to increase public awareness and change attitudes towards cycling. The benefits of getting more people on their bikes are well-documented: physical health, mental alertness, less congested roads and better public transport.

This is one reason why cities all over the world are updating their transport infrastructure to give people better cycling facilitate and thus more choices for getting around town.

There are efforts to improve urban infrastructure here as well. Transportation authorities in Abu Dhabi and Dubai have been extending cycling routes as well as adding new trails through some of the country’s main roads and neighbourhoods. But there is still a long way to go to make our cities totally cycle friendly. Through this campaign we aim to encourage a step up in efforts to make the streets safer for cyclists.

Cycle to work will take place in just 30 days. We encourage you to wear proper cycling safety gear and join us on the roads on January 12. Our ultimate goal is to see more people riding their bicycles more often throughout the year and take serious steps towards a healthier lifestyle. If we start cycling now, one day we will not need these types of campaigns because cycling will have become part of the fabric of society.