One way to practice a healthier lifestyle is to cycle. Besides, it can take you to places. The UAE government encourages cycling and has thus built various cycling tracks across the emirates. In addition to being another healthy commuting option like e-scooters in Dubai, choosing cycling over cars also cuts down carbon emissions. However, to ensure safety, there are a few rules in place that you are required to follow.
Have a look at all the cycle rules in the UAE to enjoy your rides in peace.
7 Common Cycling Laws in the UAE
Although a licence is not needed to ride a cycle in the UAE, there are a few laws that you need to be aware of. Like other traffic control and violation rules, Federal Traffic Law is also applicable to cycling.
Here are all the cycle rules in the UAE you need to know and practice:
1. Cycle components
As per the Article 35 of this law, all cycles must be equipped with a red rear light, a headlight and a rear reflector.
2. Lanes and Tracks
The Article 16 of the Traffic Law indicates that riders must stay on the road’s right side and should never ride their bicycles on pavements. Furthermore, if there is a designated cycle track, cyclists must stay on it and not leave unless it is absolutely necessary. Also, cyclists are required to ride in a single line, one after the other.
UAE has various cycle tracks with such Al Qudra Cycle Track in Dubai being one of the most popular tracks. This allows cyclists to enjoy riding a bike freely and safely.
3. Wearing Helmet
Wearing a helmet is an important cycle rule in the UAE and a useful safety precaution. It is mandatory by law to wear a protective helmet in Dubai. You can easily purchase a cycling helmet from any sports gear and equipment shop. The price starts from AED 150 but the more advanced ones can go over AED 1000. You can also buy cycling equipment online.
4. Assistance of Motor Vehicles
Cyclists are not allowed to take the assistance of automobiles for pulling or dragging their cycles as well as transporting people. The only case in which they can do this is when the cycles are fitted for the purpose of being dragged.
5. Holding the Steering Rod
As per Article 17, riding a bicycle without holding the steering rod or just sticking to it by one hand is prohibited in the UAE.
6. Endangering the Public
All cyclists are required to drive safely on the road, which means zigzag driving and riding in the way of pedestrians are offences to avoid. Any kind of dangerous cycling move on the road is thus prohibited.
7. Cycling Speed
Cyclists in the UAE must also take care of the speed and should always drive within the maximum speed limit. In the UAE, this limit is 40 km/h unless the road has a dedicated track for cycling.
Cycling Fines to Know
Have a look at all the cycling fines you need to know about to avoid them by following the cycling laws:
Violation | Fine |
|---|---|
| Riding bikes on walking and jogging tracks | Fine AED 200 |
| Overspeeding | Fine AED 600 |
| Riding in an undesignated lane | Fine AED 300 |
| Endangering lives of the public or the rider | Fine AED 300 |
Road and Transport Authority RTA Safety Tips for Cycling
As per the RTA cycling rules, you should take care of the following safety guidelines for cycling in the UAE:
- Wear a protective helmet even for short distance cycling
- Use sunglasses while cycling in the day
- Wear reflective at night so others can see you cycling
- Pay attention to the road and stay alert
- Avoid riding at night
- Refrain from acrobatics or dangerous moves while riding
- Ride in the right lane
- Both feet should be on pedals
- If you are riding as a group, ride in a single file
- Always obey very traffic signs and signals
- In the presence of a cyclist track, stick to it and only use the road in an emergency
These are all the laws and RTA cycle rules in the UAE. Follow them when riding a bicycle to avoid the fines and to ensure safety. Now that you are aware of the cycling rules, have a look at this collection of bicycles for sale, if you are in need of one. However, if you decide that bicycling is not your cup of tea, you can always buy a used car in the UAE to resume driving.
Stay tuned for more information on riding a bicycle in the Emirate.
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