By Joey Aguilar
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Cycling is expected to become increasingly popular in Qatar’s cooler months in Qatar with the establishment of dedicated bike lanes along two major thoroughfares and more expected in the near future.
“Bicycle tracks and sports facilities in Qatar will encourage many nationals and expatriates to engage in physical activities and live a healthy lifestyle,” Qatar Chain Reaction (QCR) founder Farhan al-Sayed told Gulf Times.
Al-Sayed was sharing his views about the usefulness of the newly-built bicycle tracks along Salwa and Al Waab roads.
He said that new projects were specially designed to promote an active lifestyle catering to all ages.
“Qatar has come a long way in supporting walkers, joggers, cyclists, skateboarders and rollerbladers,” said al-Sayed, also the founder of Qatar Extreme Sports (QES) and son of Qatar’s first cycling champion.
While the dedicated bicycle tracks in Doha are safe, he urged cyclists and runners to take utmost care and stay vigilant while doing their training.
He cited listening to loud music through headphones while walking or running as one of the possible causes of accidents.
This month will mark the start of various bicycle races and other sports activities in different places in the country, according to al-Sayed.
“I am looking forward to supporting and hosting a new season of events in cycling, BMX bike competitions, skateboarding and rollerblading,” he said.
QCR has been organising numerous bike races in Dukhan, Lusail and Duhail every year from September to June. QES also held a number of competitions in places like Aspire Zone and Katara – the Cultural Village.
Members of the national cycling team have participated in some of the tournaments recently.
“The weather is already showing signs of cooling down, especially in the evening which is very encouraging for outdoor activities,” he added.
Al-Sayed noted that many sports shops had opened in most of the malls in the country where players and enthusiasts could buy their equipment, jerseys and all kinds of accessories.
Some shops have reported a “significant” increase in bicycle sales this year.
“Qatar has started its sporting journey since the Asian Games 2006 and has never looked back and now we have Diamond Athletic International and the Cycling
World Cup in 2016,” al-Sayed said.
He stressed that the credit should go to HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani who led Qatar and the Qatar Olympic Committee in hosting the games and in making Doha a sports capital of Asia.
While bicycles are becoming a popular hobby and sports in the country, Qatar Foundation’s weekly publication Telegraph recently reported that electric bikes (e-bike) will soon start rolling in Education City.
E-bikes aim to provide staff and students with eco-friendly transport service from one university premise to another.
It was in 2010 that the Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning announced the Qatar National Bicycle Master Plan, which requires all major roads to include dedicated bicycle paths.
