It is hoped that the total length of cycle tracks in Dubai will reach 500km by 2021

On yer bike! Yes, seriously.

There are three new cycling tracks opening in Dubai early next month, and we can’t wait to feel the wind in our hair.

The tracks will stretch 32km across Mushrif, Mirdif and Al Khawaneej, and are set to open in early February.

The Dhs67 million project will include the construction of two bridges for the use of both cyclists and pedestrians over Al Khawaneej and Academic City Streets, and is all part of a masterplan by the RTA to provide cycling and running tracks across the entire emirate.

Plans have also been unveiled to construct even more cycle tracks extending as long as 234km between now and 2021 across areas including Al Warqaa, Jumeirah Beach, Nad Al Sheba, the Expo 2020 site, Downtown, Jebel Ali, Al Quoz, Karama, Oud Metha, Hor Al Anz, Al Qusais and Al Barsha.

It is hoped that the total length of cycle tracks in Dubai will reach 500km by 2021. We can only imagine the benefit to our fitness.

Mattar Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of the board of executive directors of the RTA, said, “The construction of cycling and running tracks in the emirate of Dubai is a manifestation of the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

“It is also an implementation of the instructions of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of Dubai Sports Council, to provide suitable options for encouraging residents to practise sports exercises and cycling.”

We reckon we’ll be lapping Victoria Pendleton in no time.

Editor's Note: This article was originally published in TimeOut Dubai on Wednesday January 24th, 2018 http://bit.ly/TimeOutCycle