Fitness freaks have a little something to look forward to. Very soon, cycle might become a popular mode of transport in Dubai, thanks to HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s initiative. Dubai will soon promote cycling as a sport, as part of Dubai Vision 2021. The new initiative will encourage people to adapt to an environmentally-friendly way of transport.
Dubai authorities will soon introduce rules and regulations for cyclists in the city. This will enable cyclists to ride without fear. In addition, the city will also have dedicated areas for bicycles, increase awareness of bicycle use, develop standards and policies and encourage bicycle renting. Meanwhile, Dubai Launches New Smart Alcohol Licence.
The new move will also enable Dubai to reduce carbon emission. The city plans to reduce carbon foot prints by 16 percent by 2021 and achieve a goal of having the world’s lowest carbon footprint. “His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, is the greatest inspiration for us in promoting the use of bicycles and the integration of cycling into people’s lifestyles. A few days ago, we all saw His Highness riding a bike in Dubai,” said Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police Lt. General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri.
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Careem Bikes Now Available For Rent In Dubai
Dubai RTA in collaboration with Careem has launched smart bicycles in areas like Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah Lake Towers, The Greens, Barsha Heights, Dubai Water Canal, Dubai Media City, Downtown Dubai and Al Qudra. Over 780 pedal-assisted bikes are now ready for use in the city. The bikes can be hired through the Careem Bike mobile application.
The application allows you to create an account, spot available bikes near you as well as is directly linked to your bank account, so payment is hassle-free. The bikes can be rented on membership basis -daily, weekly, monthly or yearly. In order to avail the service bikers must download the soon-to-launch Careem Bike app. The new app which will be available on the Google Play and App Store.
As for the costs, it’s definitely cheaper than any other mode of transport in the city:
Daily – AED 20
Weekly- AED45
Monthly- AED 69
Yearly – AED 399
Riders can rent the bike for not more than 60 minutes as any given time. Failure to return the bike in sixty minutes will lead to a penalty of AED 20 per 60 minutes. Bikes can be returned at any of the bicycle racks, close to your destination.
The bikes are user-friendly, so riders don’t have to worry about pressing a throttle to activate the motor. The bikes are fitted with electronic motors, which power up automatically once you start pedalling. Riders must be over 15 years in order to rent the bike and must wear a helmet while riding.
RTA and Careem plan to set up over 1,750 bikes and 175 stations in Dubai over the next two years. Lastly, the bikes will be well-equipped with a GPS tracker, allowing riders to track congested areas. You can pay using your credit card, NOL card or through the S’hail smartphone app.