Dubai (UAE) has long earned an unofficial reputation as the most innovative city on the planet, excelling in high-rise construction and cutting-edge technology while also transforming into one of the world’s most environmentally friendly megacities.
This transformation is continually supported by projects from URB, a developer known for building sustainable cities with zero emissions. This company has taken the lead in ambitious plans for Dubai’s cycling future.
According to URB’s outlined vision, the next fifteen years will focus on “changing the paradigm of urban mobility in Dubai.” The master plan for developing cycling infrastructure aims to allow residents to reach key locations in the megacity by bike or on foot in just a matter of minutes.
A Major Infrastructure Overhaul
Such a transformation may seem quite radical, especially in a city with a population of over 3.3 million people that predominantly favors automobile transportation. For Dubai’s extensive infrastructure, cars are currently the most convenient option, as reported by Designboom. However, it is expected that by 2040, the number of vehicles in Dubai will more than double, reaching eight million.
Despite this, the city is determined not to fall behind modern environmental trends and is steadfast in its goal to become a city with zero carbon emissions.
The recent shift towards new transportation standards is reflected in the Dubai Cycle City 2040 study. Experts and urban planners examined various types of cycling infrastructure, with the centerpiece being THE LOOP—a 93-kilometer cycling highway. This future project from URB aims to connect a significant portion of the city’s population through a healthy mode of transport.
According to URB’s CEO, Baharash Bagherian, the initiative to transform Dubai into the best cycling city will set a new benchmark for urban entrepreneurship. “Our role as urban planners has shifted to that of transformers. It’s no longer just about targeted planning for new types of assets in cities, but about making them more sustainable,” noted Mr. Bagherian.
Thus, his team’s plans include creating the most innovative and advanced cycling infrastructure on our planet. The revolutionary master plan also aims to provide additional community services and amenities across various neighborhoods in the megacity. Changes will impact Dubai’s agricultural sector, social spaces, sports facilities, and many other segments of urban life.