The Abu Dhabi City Municipality is undertaking the construction of jogging and cycling tracks stretching 80,790 meters in total. The Municipality is currently working on the construction of jogging tracks extending 8440 meters and had already constructed cycling tracks extending 17,340 meters. It has got plans for constructing proposed cycling tracks extending 7,624 meters on the Sheikh Zayed Street, 6700 meters on the Shakhbout bin Sultan Street, and 6650 meters on the Arabian Gulf Street, in addition to a 2320 meter-long track leading to Al Nahyan Festivities Yard. All of these tracks are designed according to specific specifications; measuring 3.5 meters in width and are fitted with ground markings. The Municipality is keen on constructing these tracks according to the specifications and standards set by the Department of Transport.

The Municipality is continuing the construction of similar exercise and cycling track projects, where completion rates range from 50 to 85%. They comprise the construction of combo pedestrian-cycling tracks at each of Khalifa city, Shakhbout city and Mohammed bin Zayed city stretching 7 to 18 km in length.

The combined jogging and cycling tracks in the three cities measure 4 meters in width in a lane constructed four meters off the kerbstone of the main street. Cycling and walking tracks are separated or differentiated either through shifting cycling tracks according to the provisions stipulated in the Urban Roads Design Manual such that the preparation area and the front area, especially when their dimensions are identical. In case of a joint track, the two lanes are differentiated by road markings or pavement as stated in the master plan of pedestrians and cyclists in Abu Dhabi Emirate (network design) where the width will be 2.2 meters for cyclists track and 1.8 meters for pedestrians track.

As for the urban and aesthetic appearance of the project, the Abu Dhabi City Municipality will add landscaping works on the sides of all tracks. In case the pedestrian track is on the edge of the street, directional signage will be displayed to direct pedestrians from the start of the junction. Moreover, corners will be paved, pedestrian crossings will be widened sufficiently as per the provisions of the Urban Roads Manual such that they can accommodate pedestrians and cyclists at junctions.

The Walk at Khalifa city extends 7.891 km where construction works have reached 60% up to now. The walk at Shakhbout city extends 18.838 km with completion rate touching 50%, and the length of the Walk at Mohammed bin Zayed Street extends 14.277 km in length with a completion rate exceeding 85%. The walks and cycling tracks in Abu Dhabi and the three cities will constitute a perfect avenue for residents of the three cities to practice sports. The project will also have a positive impact on the appearance of the city, besides offering gorgeous appearance and creative engineering shapes which will add a further elegance to the stunning skyline of the three cities.
Source: WAM