We hope drivers in the UAE notice a difference on the roads today, when many of the country's cyclists participate in The National's #cycletoworkuae day. A greater presence of cyclists is part of the process of ensuring drivers take account of them, making life safer for everyone.
Today should highlight all the benefits of this form of transport: temperatures are perfect, the weather is likely to be dry and sunny, and every major city in the UAE is flat, cycle-friendly terrain.
It is also an ideal form of exercise. After all, today’s event is part of a wider campaign based on the theme of #healthyliving, because too many of us do too little aerobic activity. One reason why cycling is touted as ideal for all ages is because it is low-impact and the exertion level is able to be dialled up (or down) according to each individual’s fitness and inclination.
We also know that the UAE is not a risk-free cycling culture — nowhere is, although some places are obviously better than others — so all those taking part will also be taking precautions: wearing bright clothing to maximise the chance of being seen by drivers, a helmet to protect the head in case of a fall, and using lights if not riding in daylight hours. Perhaps the biggest precaution of all is to adopt a defensive attitude on the roads and not assume that drivers will be aware one’s presence.
But there is an element of self-fulfilling prophecy to initiatives like our cycle-to-work day. We hope drivers will notice the extra cyclists and become more cycle aware as they navigate the UAE’s cities. As they become more aware, more cyclists will feel confident about taking to the roads. As they do, municipalities will make greater provision for safe cycling, and yet more people might decide to buy a bicycle for their commute.
This process has already begun through the pages of this newspaper, as cyclists of all kinds recount the benefits and precautions of their activity. Most people outside of the cycling fraternity are likely to have been surprised that the UAE has such a growing cycling culture. And maybe more than a few of those drivers who notice the extra cyclists on the roads today will be motivated to leave their car at home and try it for themselves.