Doha: Qatar aims at educating the community to spread the culture of cycling, in addition to promoting cycling as a safe and healthy means of transportation.
The Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places in Qatar at the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Qatar Cyclists Center of the Ministry of Culture and Sports to promote this initiative and create fast cycling tracks.
Director of Projects Affairs at Ashghal Eng Yousef Al Emadi said that Ashghal seeks to create infrastructure that contributes to enhance sport culture among all segments of society, through provision of necessary requirements and Ashghal is all set to provide a network of cycling and pedestrian paths of about 2,650 km by the year 2022.
Chairman of the Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places in Qatar at Ashghal Eng. Mohamed Arqoub Al Khaldi said a fast track for cyclists has been constructed and opened to the public. The 33-km long track allows speed of up to 50 km per hour.
Through the MoU, Ashghal and Qatar Cyclists Center will provide all the necessary services to fast track users, such as electric bike parking spaces to serve cyclists in emergencies, as well as installation of necessary signage, periodic maintenance of irrigation systems, fast track asphalt and street lightings.
President of Qatar Cyclists Dr Abdulaziz Jaham Al Kuwari praised efforts taken to provide a secure and connected network for cyclists. He stressed the importance of a joint-cooperation between various entities in the country in order to promote a healthy lifestyle and exercise.
He added that they seek to encourage all family members to use the fast track, including provision of first aid to those who are on the track and providing logistics services using motorcycles to provide emergency assistance.
Through the MoU, events will be organized in cooperation with Ashghal including safety campaigns, first aid training for emergencies, as well as awareness sessions to educate riders on the right and safe riding methods through cycle paths.