Cycling in Abu Dhabi

Let’s play a word association game. What springs to mind when you hear the phrase bike ride? Long summer days, strawberry picking and holidays, or stabilisers, grazed knees and tears? Perhaps you think of punctures, commuting and traffic-clogged streets, or maybe your mind darts to open roads, panniers and dodgy cycling shorts.

Whether you’re more concerned with fixing your inner tube, finding a retro basket or just not falling off, chances are you miss feeling the breeze in your hair and the sun on your back.

But Abu Dhabi isn’t known for its cycling-friendly credentials. Britta Lang, a principal safety scientist for the UK’s Transport Research Laboratory, is working with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Transport to improve road safety. She says, ‘I wouldn’t advise cycling on roads because drivers are not yet educated to look out for cyclists. The Government is aware of the current dangers and is committed to improving this with cycle racks and dedicated bike lanes. To stay safe, cycle on these and wear a helmet to reduce the likelihood of serious head injury.’

The wheels of change started turning in 2011, when the Department of Transport launched a pedestrian and bikeway master plan with the aim of making the Emirate more accommodating to cyclists. This plan includes shaded cycle routes and public awareness campaigns. There are now a handful of bike lanes around the city, outside the InterContinental, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers and near Beach Rotana.

So TOAD has been out and about to speak to pros about how new-born cyclists can get started – and also found out where die-hard bike fans can cycle.

The Basics: Learn how to cycle
Don’t worry, this doesn’t involve public humiliation with stabilisers. You don’t even need your dad to hold the back of your seat. You just need a bike and a patch of grass, and a helmet wouldn’t go amiss.

Adventure HQ, an outdoor adventure shop in Dubai, is opening a new branch in Dalma Mall, Mussafah, in March. Adventure HQ’s chief bike buyer, Matt Barron, has been selling bikes for 15 years. He says, ‘A hybrid bike with wide tires will help you balance. Start with the seat down low so your feet are flat on the ground. A lawn with a slight downhill incline is ideal, as momentum helps you balance. Lift your feet from the ground and roll as you would on a scooter. Focus on steering until you find your balance, then pedal when you’re more confident. It’s actually quicker to learn as an adult, as adults have better balance than kids. It might only take you an afternoon to learn.’

Bike hire
If you just want to ride a bike occasionally or have nowhere to store one, you’re better off hiring one. Fun Ride Sports hires mountain bikes and city bikes which fit two or three passengers on the back from its four rental stations along the Corniche boardwalk – look out for them near Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Chamber of Commerce, ADCO and outside Hiltonia Beach Club. It costs Dhs30 an hour for adults, Dhs20 for children, or you can invest in a booklet of vouchers for Dhs200, which gives you 15 hours of cycling. Email info@funridesports.com, www.funridesports.com (02 556 6113).

Yas Island has a purpose-built cycling infrastructure which features well sign posted cycle paths, maps, water stations and shaded rest areas. Take your bike today and cycle around Ferrari World, Ikea, Yas Mall and Yas Waterworld, or wait until March and rent one from the Fun Ride Sports kiosk by the fountain at Yas Plaza near Crowne Plaza Yas Island 9am-8pm. In March, Fun Ride Sports will also relaunch its popular Yas Island guided tour from 9.30-11am. The 9km route costs Dhs110 and takes in sights such as Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Viceroy and Yas Links Golf Course. A 5km night tour, which runs 6.30-7.30pm, costs Dhs100. Email info@funridesports.com, www.funridesports.com (02 556 6113).

Want to cycle the Formula One track? Then leave your bag in a locker at Crowne Plaza Yas Island and whether you’re a hotel guest or not you can hire a mountain bike from Noukhada. All bikes come with helmets. It costs Dhs50 for an hour, Dhs75 for two hours or Dhs95 for three hours. Access to the track is free. 6-9pm Tuesdays. Crowne Plaza Yas Island, www.noukhada.ae (02 656 3111).

I want to ride my bicycle
First things first, you need a bike. Don’t know where to start? Matt says, ‘Before you buy, you need to think about where you want to cycle – on pavements, off road or up mountains. Then decide what you want to achieve. Do you want a bike so you can get fit, see nature, or just get from A to B? This will help you decide on the style of bike that’s right for you. If you want to cycle on the Corniche for some light exercise for example, a comfortable hybrid such as a Cypress by Giant, which costs Dhs1,799, would suit you.

‘Serious cyclists who are members of a bike club that regularly cycles 100km or more tend to prefer to upgrade specific bike parts to enhance their performance over buying a new bike. Zipp 404 wheels, which are Dhs10,500 a pair, are best for paved roads, while Dhs5,500 Sram Roam 60 are ideal for desert scrubland. You can buy a bike designed especially for dunes which is pretty unique to the UAE. The Surly Moonlander, or ‘Fat Boy’ is Dhs10,995 and has wide five-inch tyres, but it’s slow on the road.

‘Generally, the more money you spend, the smoother the gears, the more powerful the brakes and the lighter your bike will be. An entry level bike frame will be made from aluminium, while a high end one will be made from lightweight carbon fibre.’

It’s important to look the part, too. Matt says, ‘You don’t need lots of equipment. The basic pieces are a lightweight helmet and padded bike shorts. Both cost around Dhs195. If you’re buying a new bike, the shop staff should set it up for you.’