DUBAI — The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has said it would allow cycle tracks to be built around schools, following an appeal by students of one of the schools.
Last week, Khaleej Times had highlighted a campaign spearheaded by Gems Royal Dubai School Year V students to build a track so that they could bike to school.
In response to the initiative, an official from RTA said, “The RTA is always willing to encourage ways of reducing traffic jams but this has to be done is the safest possible way. Cycle tracks will be allowed in any environment that is seen to be safe.”
The official, however, added, “The RTA will have to be satisfied that the safety of children is unhindered first, followed by the interest shown by schools which could lead to developing a plan and undertaking a study in order to ensure the safety of the children and the practicality of these cycle tracks.”
This, the official, maintained was in line with its strategy to ensure “safe and smooth transport” to all. The RTA is already working on developing a pedestrian and cyclist master plan, besides trying to develop a pedestrian and mobility action plan.
“Both these studies will have a major effect on the way road users can share the public highway in a safe manner,” added the official.
Gems Royal Dubai School pupils and teachers hope a cycle track could be built in Mirdif from Algeria Street, which runs through Mirdif, towards Al Mizhar. “This way they do not have to cycle on the busy intersection, where the RTA is constructing a new Mirdif Interchange,” said the school’s teacher, Justine Parlow.
By Preeti Kannan (Our staff reporter)