Abu Dhabi has been declared as a “bike city” by the cycling’s global governing body, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI)—making the emirate the first destination in Asia to receive the prestigious cycling distinction.
His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office (ADEO), received the label at a special ceremony at Hudayriyat Island cycling track in Abu Dhabi.
“This celebrated title reflects the strategic approach our government has taken to transforming Abu Dhabi into a haven for cyclists. Through visionary thinking, the emirate has developed state-of-the-art sports and community facilities that help enhance Abu Dhabi’s position as one of the world’s most livable cities,” H.H. Sheikh Khaled said.
Upcoming infrastructure enhancements under Bike Abu Dhabi include the Abu Dhabi Loop, a 109km segregated highway for cyclists; and Velodrome Hudayriyat, a new 3,500 seater track racing arena on Hudayriyat Island for hosting local and international competitions. pic.twitter.com/mf2mHVQG9l
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) November 2, 2021
During the event, the ADEO Chairman also launched ‘Bike Abu Dhabi’, a new initiative to spearhead the emirate’s long-term cycling ambitions to become a leading global cycling hub.
The initiative comes with bike lane infrastructure enhancements, such as the extension of the emirate’s 300 kilometer cycling network to more than 1,000 kilometers.
The network expansion includes the 109 kilometer Abu Dhabi Loop – a segregated cycle way linking key destinations across the city.
#AbuDhabi’s world-class cycling facilities are about to get even better! Under Bike Abu Dhabi, the city will welcome the Abu Dhabi Loop, and new 109km designated cycling track linking attractions around the city, and a new 3,500 seater velodrome offering track racing facilities. pic.twitter.com/gJNQrNsGYR
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) November 2, 2021
The Bike Abu Dhabi also includes plans to build Velodrome Hudayriyat—a 3,500 capacity arena for track racing that will provide further opportunities to host high-profile international and local cycling events.
Other ‘Bike Cities’ declared around the world include Bergen in Norway; Glasgow in Scotland; and the French capital of Paris.
