Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

Riders using bicycles, e-scooters and micro mobile transport devices will have to adhere to new rules announced by the Integrated Transport Centre (ICT). According to the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), the new rules are aimed at establishing the highest standards of safety and security for users of regular and electric bicycles. The new rules apply to the use, supply or rental of bicycles and e-scooters for individuals and companies in Abu Dhabi. Under the new rules, only one rider can ride a bicycle, scooter or electric bike, using dedicated cycling lanes. Riders must also wear safety and protective helmet and reflective clothing at all times while riding. Cyclists and users of micromobility devices can only use the lanes and roads intended for bicycles, and in case there are none in the area they wish to cycle, they must use side-roads where the speed limit is 20 kilometers per hour. They must stay on the far right-hand side of the road or sidewalks and pavements dedicated to the use of bicycles. Performing stunts that put other riders and pedestrians in danger must be avoided. Bicycle riders must give priority to pedestrians and decrease their speed at intersections. Riders can only park their bicycles in designated areas and not leave them anywhere where they could impede the movement of vehicles or pedestrians. They must also not chain their bicycles to traffic light posts or street lighting poles. It is completely prohibited for bicycle riders to hold on to any other vehicle, or even enter in the air space of any high or low speed vehicle while on the move. It is completely prohibited to travel in the opposite direction of the road under any circumstances at all. On e-scooters, the ITC said it is allowing rental companies to resume their services, but that the electric bicycles must be rented to individuals aged 18 years or above. Authorised operators must not operate any bicycle or mobility device that does not conform with the approved technical specifications. All bicycle and micromobility device renting or operating facility is also obliged to ensure that a phone number is made available to all riders through which they can be contacted in the event of any emergency or malfunction during the use of their bicycles and/or devices. This is in addition to providing a notice clearly stating the requirements and safety instructions for riding bicycles and electric bicycles through the establishment’s smart application and also attaching it in sticker form to the body of the bicycle, advising users that bicycles are not to be stopped on pedestrian or road lanes, at entrances and exits to houses or buildings. All electric bicycles or e-scooters must be fitted with a monitoring device or GPS that is compatible with the approved technical specifications Bicycles and e-scooters must be equipped a white headlight and a red taillight that can be turned on while riding at night, or a red light reflector, as well as a handlebar-mounted sound alert device and efficient brakes, at least on the rear wheel. Violators will be fined, according to regulations in cooperation with Abu Dhabi Police. ICA/Expat Media
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