8 Common Cycling Rules in the UAE

It is possible to stay fit and enjoy the outdoors in Dubai for most of the year, despite the hot weather. Fitness buffs can find plenty of gyms and outdoor activities to keep fit and maintain a healthy exercise routine.

However, there are those who prefer to do their exercise outdoors. Dubai is the perfect place for bike lovers and outdoor enthusiasts with its wonderful beaches and cycling paths to enjoy fitness in natural surroundings.

With the cold weather, cycling or UAE bike riding is becoming a popular leisure sport. Even UAE residents who live close to their office opt to ride a bike to and from work. The Government of Dubai aims to promote a healthier lifestyle and has built dedicated biking paths to encourage commuters to leave their cars at home. This is why it would be very helpful to know the rules that govern cycling within the UAE.

Here are some cycling do’s and dont’s, and the most important ones you need to remember:

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(1) Use Helmet

The use of helmets is required by law in Dubai, but not applicable to rest of the UAE. Wearing a helmet is a safety precaution. Helmets can range in price from AED 150 to over AED 1000 for top quality head gear. You can find helmets in any bike shop, or other sports shops that are commonly found in malls.

(2) Footpaths and Main Roads

In general, cyclists are banned from using footpaths and main roads in Dubai. They can use marked cycle paths, and secondary roads instead. It is not allowed because of the safety. It is not safe to cycle on main roads. However, sometimes cycling on footpaths, pavement, sidewalk are fined. People cycling and riding motorcycles in wrong lanes, thereby risking their lives as well as others, will also be fined.

There is an AED 200 fine for bike riders who use paths dedicated for pedestrians, while riding in a way that endangers pedestrians can get you fined AED 300.

(3) Speed Limit

According to Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, riding bicycles is not permitted on most of the roads with speed limit 60km per hour except the Jumeirah Road which has cycling track.Cyclists found riding on roads with speed limits of 60km ph or greater may be fined up to AED 600.

(4) Lights

Similar to car rules, front and rear light should be in full working condition to avoid being fined. This helps other motorists and cyclists as well to avoid accident.

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(5) Reflective vests

Cyclists are encouraged to wear reflective vests. Most working class cyclists are encouraged to wear them.

(6) Identification Card

Same rules apply to all UAE citizens and residents. One should carry an ID with them all the time in the UAE. This should be done if in case there’s an accident, the cyclist can be identified.

(7) Parking your bike

Theft is common in Dubai even with strict rules and penalty. It is advisable to park your bike in a parking lot with a lock. Do not leave it in public without one. Bicycle theft is common among Dubai metro stations than any other location.

It is still important to know that laws in the UAE are subject to different interpretations. It is always subject to change, sometimes confusing and contradictory. That’s why it is advised to always act according to general laws.

(8). Double Seat

Double seat riding is not allowed unless the bike is designed for two people. Offenders may be fined AED 200.

It is still important to know that laws in the UAE are subject to different interpretations. It is always subject to change, sometimes confusing and contradictory. That’s why it is advised to always act according to general laws.

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