Dubai to cut speed limit in many areas for new cycling and e-scooter plan

The length of e-scooter and bike tracks in Dubai will double to almost 400km from 2023, and speed limits will be slashed to 30km per hour on some roads to improve rider safety.

Eleven new routes will be opened up to e-scooters and bicycles from next year.

The new zones will be established in residential areas Al Tawar 1, Al Tawar 2, Umm Suqeim 3, Al Garhoud, Muhaisnah 3, Umm Hurair 1, Al Safa 2, Al Barsha South 2, Al Barsha 3, Al Quoz 4, and Nad Al Sheba 1, opening up new routes to more than 114,500 residents.

Routes will connect 10 mass transport stations, and 18 prominent destinations, such as public parks and commercial outlets.

“This will enhance the first and last-mile journeys and reduce the reliance on private vehicles,” said Mattar Al Tayer, the Roads and Transport Authority's director-general and chairman of the board of executive directors.

“Work is up-and-running in those areas to finalise the construction of tracks in line with the top international standards of traffic safety.

“Improvements currently underway in those districts include ground markings, directional signs, and converting internal roads into safe areas by dropping the speed limit from 40km per hour to 30 km per hour for the safety of riders.”

The total number of districts in which e-scooters are permitted to operate will increase to 21, while the total length of tracks dedicated to bikes, e-scooters, as well as safe and shared routes, rises from 185km to 390km.

Existing routes are already in place across Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai Internet City, Al Rigga, 2nd of December Street, The Palm Jumeirah and City Walk.

To legally use the routes, riders without an existing driver’s license must apply for a free