Dubai Police have awarded several cyclists and e-scooter riders with a special pin for their dedication to adhering to traffic laws.
They were also given a certificate for using correct safety equipment, such as bike lights and hi-vis jackets.
The rewards were issued last week as part of the force's campaign to encourage safe use of e-scooters and bicycles in the emirate.
“We organised a team to monitor law-abiding riders and to recognise them for following safety rules while using e-scooters and bicycles,” said Brig Saif Al Mazroui, director of Dubai Police's traffic department.
“Officers stopped the riders and honoured them with a special pin and a certificate.
“Our aim is to boost awareness and encourage riders to get the scooter hero pin,” he said.
Dubai Police recently warned of the dangers of irresponsible use of e-scooters and e-bikes. In the first eight months of 2023, five riders were killed and 29 were injured in accidents.
More than 10,000 fines were also issued to riders breaking safety rules.
Law-abiding riders were those who adhered to designated roads and lanes, complied with traffic laws, and wore suitable helmets and reflective vests.
“The criteria also includes fitting a bright and reflective white light at the front of the bicycle and a bright and reflective red light at the rear, along with ensuring the overall safety of the entire bicycle, including its brakes,” Brig Al Mazrou added.
“Having more patrols to crackdown on irresponsible riders and launching awareness campaigns will reduce the fatalities on the roads.”
Ignoring traffic lights, not wearing helmets and riding outside of designated zones have been cited as common causes of accidents.
The Dubai government has sought to ensure the safe use of e-scooters to take cars off the road and reduce emissions.
People who do not have a full driving licence must apply for a free e-scooter permit and pass an online test on the RTA website.
Riders must be at least 16 years old and helmets are mandatory. The speed limit for e-scooters is 20kph.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The team
Photographer: Mateusz Stefanowski at Art Factory
Videographer: Jear Valasquez
Fashion director: Sarah Maisey
Make-up: Gulum Erzincan at Art Factory
Model: Randa at Art Factory Videographer’s assistant: Zanong Magat
Photographer’s assistant: Sophia Shlykova
With thanks to Jubail Mangrove Park, Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi
How has net migration to UK changed?
The figure was broadly flat immediately before the Covid-19 pandemic, standing at 216,000 in the year to June 2018 and 224,000 in the year to June 2019.
It then dropped to an estimated 111,000 in the year to June 2020 when restrictions introduced during the pandemic limited travel and movement.
The total rose to 254,000 in the year to June 2021, followed by steep jumps to 634,000 in the year to June 2022 and 906,000 in the year to June 2023.
The latest available figure of 728,000 for the 12 months to June 2024 suggests levels are starting to decrease.
Results
Stage Two:
1. Mark Cavendish (GBR) QuickStep-AlphaVinyl 04:20:45
2. Jasper Philipsen (BEL) Alpecin-Fenix
3. Pascal Ackermann (GER) UAE Team Emirates
4. Olav Kooij (NED) Jumbo-Visma
5. Arnaud Demare (FRA) Groupama-FDJ
General Classification:
1. Jasper Philipsen (BEL) Alpecin-Fenix 09:03:03
2. Dmitry Strakhov (RUS) Gazprom-Rusvelo 00:00:04
3. Mark Cavendish (GBR) QuickStep-AlphaVinyl 00:00:06
4. Sam Bennett (IRL) Bora-Hansgrohe 00:00:10
5. Pascal Ackermann (GER) UAE Team Emirates 00:00:12
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
