September 2014 CYCLE PARK

www.placedynamix.me DUBAI CYCLE PARK

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NB: this plan is for illustrative purposes only to visualize how a cycle park could look and function. Further testing of location and financial feasibility would need to be undertaken www.placedynamix.me Cycle Park; An urban or rural park where a variety of facilities are provided in one consolidated location with www.placedynamix.me necessary support facilities.The aim is to encourage cycling as an enjoyable and www.placedynamix.me healthy pastime for all ages and abilities in a safe park setting.

www.placedynamix.me critical thinking... creative results.

In 2014, in response to H.H.Sheikh Hamdan bin Mahommed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s “My Community....A City for Everyone’ Place Dynamix are the leading design consultancy helping to deliver the Crown Prince’s vision for a truly accessible and inviting city for everyone in time for expo 2020. We have helped launch the TAWASOL initiative on behalf of the DTMFZA and are accessibility consultants on major projects including D3 and all Tecom Investment areas. We are helping to create a city that is fully accessible for people regardless of physical ability. As part of our commitment to accessibility, sustainability and lifestyle in Dubai, we are promoting sustainable forms of transport and active healthy lifestyles through all our work. As keen cyclists, we see cycling as critical to our design work and as such are delighted to present this report as a means of prompting debate and awareness.

Place Dynamix (Middle East)

[email protected] www.placedynamix.me

Studio 1405, Bay X3 Tower, , Dubai, UAE

+971 4 399 1186

www.placedynamix.me Purpose of this Report Contents

The report presents our idea for consolidating 01 various cycling facilities into one multi-purpose The Health, Happiness & 24hr cycle park to support the already World- Activity Agenda in Dubai class cycling facilities available in Dubai. 02 Why Cyclists Love Dubai The following white paper encourages debate and awareness to such a proposal and tests the practicality of such a facility in an example location. It is concluded by showing an example of 03 such a park in Dubai to visualize how it may look, where it may The Strategic Vision for be located and consider what facilities may be provided. Cycling in Dubai

We are team of landscape architects,architects, engineers, 04 urban designer & planners. Most importantly, we are also The Case for a Cycle Park in cycling enthusiasts and regular users of existing facilities in Dubai the UAE. Our head office is in Dubai and we are all long time residents of the city we call home. 05 Concept Design of a Cycle Park The concept is not linked to any real proposal, nor is it financially costed for economic feasibility. Instead, we are team of enthusiast cyclists working on various urban development projects across Dubai and this is our gift back to the cycling community to raise debate about the next progression of cycling in the Emirate.

B.A. Hons (Manchester),Dan M.T.C.PBulmer, (Manchester), Managing Dip U.D. (Bristol), Director M.R.T.P.I.

All effort has been made to avoid copyright infringement of photographic material in this concept report. To best of our knowledge, all images are publicly accessible images with creative commons licence permission. If you feel this is incorrect, please contact us and we’ll be happy to remove. www.placedynamix.me 01 HEALTH HAPPINESS FITNESS

www.placedynamix.me HEALTH HAPPINESS ACTIVITY

Health & Fitness Benefits Social Benefits Economic Benefits • Improving general health by • Opportunities to meet like-minded • Improving Dubai’s global combating heart related illness, people; competitiveness and livability & diabetes, obesity; • Promoting a happy population; happiness index; • Improving mental health by way of • Chance to develop new friendships; • Regional tourism opportunities; stress relief and general well being; • Fun & shared family activities; • Inexpensive mode of transportation • Encouraging healthier lifestyles in • Business networking; allowing for disposable income to be children; • Social group opportunities; spent in the local community; • Combating sedentry lifestyles in • Utilizing benefits to teach values • Sales in local businesses, workshops, children and encouraging social of sportsmanship, teamwork and cafes & other local service businesses interaction; companionship in children; local to existing cycle facilities; • Reducing pollution, increasing air • Reduction in stress when enjoying • Growth in cycling resulting in quality and offering alternative means shared pastimes; increased sales to local cycle shops and of travel. • Social cohesion and tolerance. increased employment of staff.

www.placedynamix.me THE HEALTH / HAPPINESS / ACTIVITY AGENDA IN DUBAI

Dubai is experiencing a significant shift toward cycling. Be it for recreation, health benefits or sport, cycling is becoming increasingly popular and with that the demand for safe places to cycle.

Recreation – cycling is being enjoyed by a broad demographic of people in Dubai wishing to pursue in an outdoor lifestyle that is both healthy and sociable. The number of riders seen riding as parts of groups and major cycling events in Dubai is testamanet to this.

Sport – The number of cyclists engaging in cycling as a hobby or competitive sport is expanding rapidly, with a growing number of local Emirati riders joining the cycling community with local clubs and a national team making an appearance in recent years.

Commuting – As new roads in Dubai are being designed with cyclists in mind and the RTA rolls out bold plans for improving cycling safety, the ability to use cycling as a sustainable alternative to car use in cooler months for commuting is more possible. Place Dynamix are designing streets across the Middle East that are conducive to safe, shaded and connected cycling. At City Walk (left and above), we are working with Meraas to design all road and public realm infrastructure. www.placedynamix.me 02 CYCLISTS LOVE DUBAI

www.placedynamix.me WORLD CLASS FACILITIES HAVE BEEN BUILT IN DUBAI

Nad Al Sheba Al Qudra Cycle Dubai Autodrome Al Khawaneej Cycle Park Path Park Cycle track quality Tarmac surface Tarmac surface Tarmac surface Tarmac surface Tarmac surface single direction dual direction dual direction single direction dual direction Cycle track 8km, 6km and 86km (extensions 5km 2.5km 3km distance 4km loops in construction) Toilets Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Showers Yes Yes No No No Clubhouse No No No No No Children’s Yes No Yes No Yes cycling/ play Functioning hours 24 hrs (floodlit) 24 hrs 8am - 10pm 6pm - 9pm 24 hours Accessibility & Good vehicular Good vehicular Good vehicular Good vehicular Good vehicular connectivity access. No formal access. No formal access. No formal access. No formal access. No formal cycle access cycle access cycle access cycle access cycle access Car Parking Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Racing Yes Yes No Yes No Opportunities

www.placedynamix.me DUBAI IS A WORLD LEADER IN HOSTING OF SPORTING EVENTS

www.placedynamix.me 03 THE STRATEGIC VISION

www.placedynamix.me THE STRATEGIC VISION FOR CYCLING IN DUBAI The Roads and Transport Authority the Mall of the station. Also around all Metro stations. (RTA) in Dubai has responded very included in the project is the 67-km positively to the rapid increase in track spanning Seih Assalam Road and Following the successful cycling popularity by developing the Al Qudra Road which includes public implementation of the first phase of Dubai Masterplan. The plan is utilities and shops for hiring bikes, the cycling master plan, RTA has now aimed at providing 850km of strategic gear and accessories in addition to a approved construction of cycling tracks cycleways in central business district medical clinic as well as the 11km track in 11 residential areas stretching 52km areas and newly developed localities at the centre of covering Al at a cost of Dh40 million. as suitable transit alternatives for Fuhaidi, Al Falah, Al Ghubaiba and Al commuters and cycling enthusiasts. Hisn Roads. “The construction of the cycling tracks is part of a master plan developed Engineer Maitha Bin Udai, CEO Other areas to benefit from the by RTA to provide dedicated cycling of RTA Traffic and Roads Agency bicycle network over the forthcoming spaces across the entire Dubai emirate reported the cycling track project two years will include , Al in a bid to encourage the use of bikes resulted from a comprehensive study Khawaneej, Al Warqa, Al Quoz 3, as an environment-friendly transit based on several criteria: Al Sufouh Street, Al Mamzar Park, means, as well as for the benefit of Mushrif Park, and Hor Al Anz East. cycling enthusiasts,” said Mattar Al • tourist environment, Tayer, Chairman of the Board and • popularity of the area, The inner city cycle tracks closely Executive Director of RTA. • accessibility to the Metro stations and follow the 75-km long Dubai Cycling mass transit modes, Course in Seih Assalam, part of a Work on the new cycling tracks will • fulfilment of safety cycling master plan that includes begin this year and will be completed • aesthetic aspects a 25km track in Jumeirah as well by 2016. as smaller tracks near Mall of the Early stages of the masterplan have Emirates, Al Mamzar Park and Al The RTA Cycling Master Plan already been implemented in various Mizhar Park. addresses cycling routes within the communities such as Jumeirah, current rights-of-way as well as Mankhool, and Bur Dubai, among The RTA is currently constructing a developing separate cycle lanes, taking others. 4.5-km-long track in the central district into account intersection points with of Bur Dubai, and has completed the pedestrians and vehicles, provision of The completed cycling tracks comprise designs of four tracks linking Jumeirah cycle racks for safe and secure bicycle a 23km-long track along Jumeirah Road with four Metro stations on parking at the public transport stations Street, 1.4km track along Street No 7 Sheikh Zayed Road. Additionally, in particular, specific bicycle lanes in which links Jumeirah Street with Al the authority has completed the entertainment areas, surface materials Mankhool Street, and a 1.6km track at construction of 1,400 bike racks and cycle track signage. www.placedynamix.me 04 THE CASE FOR A CYCLE PARK

www.placedynamix.me The first reason for a cycle park is the Competitive Road Riding ability to cater for all riders in Dubai. Road riding is commonly provided for Despite class facilities 1 / CATERING FOR by way of the many cycle tracks listed already provided, there are plans afoot above. However the growing interest to further improve facilities as well as in road riding and is making cater for the other proportion of the ALL RIDERS a natural progression toward increased cycling fraternity are not being catered competitive racing. The UAE National for. In this respect it is pertinent to Cycling Federation organise and address the different cycling disciplines implement road races for Federation and how facilities could be improved to members. The races are held at the include the wider cycling contingent. weekends on Dubai roads, which despite support from Federation Race Officials, support vehicles and Dubai Police are inherently dangerous with traffic passing alongside the race.

The Nad Al Sheba Camel Track (whilst still available) and Al Qudra bike track are used for some races, such as the Spinney’s 92 event and earlier build- up races but there are no formal race facilities in place for registration of riders, race timing, and general race catering. These events have to be The mountain bike fraternity typically advertised well in advance to notify travel outside of the Dubai emirate in non-racing cyclists that the venue is search of off-road cross-country and temporarily closed to regular use. mountain trails. There are currently no dedicated mountain bike trails or venue catering for off-road mountain bike cycling in Dubai.

In addition to recreational mountain biking, a number of locally organized, national and regional races are BMX and Stunt Riding scheduled in the racing season. Most BMX freestyle biking is accommodated races take place in Ras Al Khaimah, at locations around Dubai varying Oman and in and around the Hajar in size and design complexity but is Mountain region. largely shared with skateboarders using the same facilities. Dubai does The closest mountain bike trails can not currently provide any facilities for be found at the foothills of the Hajar BMX Supercross, which would enable mountains at Showka. Typically this is BMX riders an alternative experience a 1 hour drive from Dubai. purely dedicated to BMX. www.placedynamix.me 2 / CELEBRATING THE DESERT LANDSCAPE AND WILDLIFE

A cycle park would provide people with the recreational access to explore the natural desert environment. Children and adults can learn about the arid landscape environment, unique wildlife and traditional lifestyles. Educational resources can be incorporated into the indigenous desert landscape to learn about water sensitive plant species and trees. Viewing decks, picnic areas, boardwalks and shaded areas can encourage local families to use the park whether using the cycling facility or not.

In support of sustainable development for the project, the landscape of the Dubai Cycle Centre would be host to a regionally native and desert adapted species palette, with generally lower water dependency and enhancing the existing desert biodiversity of the surrounding area.

Trees offer natural shade and plants decorate the open spaces for an overall pleasant and interesting cycling experience, be it cycling leisurely along the recreational route in the natural shade or riding past architectural agave cacti on the mountain bilke trail, the landscape would be distinct but appropriate for the desert setting of the Dubai Cycle Park. www.placedynamix.me 3 / PROVIDING SAFE ACCESSIBLE FACILITIES FOR ALL USERS IN DUBAI

The current road design and driving the UAE’s roads too dangerous for the attitude of a largely expatriate pastime. Although this has changed population in Dubai is not conducive with a number of new urban projects to safe or pleasent riding on the including safe cycling routes, the majority of roads. Despite this, a large evolution of the cycling scene in the cycling community has grown thanks UAE at large has largely demanded off- the the support of the city’s leaders street cycle paths to be implemented in providing World class off road to accommodate the sport. This is a facilities. Cycling can now be enjoyed similar situation in other cities such by people in a safe and unique setting as London (below) where Dutch style that attracts riders from across the segregated routes are being promoted The debate of whether cyclists should region. to replace shared on-street routes. be segregated from vehicles will no doubt continue but as an interim Changing the attitude and driving measure to respond pro-actively to a culture of motorists in Dubai is a growing cycling population, we support huge task involving ongoing cycling the idea of providing completely campaigns to educate the constant safe and segregated facilities where turnover of new motorists entering children and adults can enjoy cycling Dubai. While attitudes towards cyclists safely and with no threat. is improving around the World, the complete safety of riders can not be With the idea of Dubai Cycle Park, we achieved yet in the city geared towards are promoting the idea of a completely the motorist over more vulnerable safe separate facility dedicated to users. This has sadly been proved cycling where safe races can be hosted with a number of recent fatalities and cycling proficiency can be taught and injuries amongst the cycling and to children to teach the rules of the community. As a result, road in a safe controlled environment. several cycling clubs have declared www.placedynamix.me 4 / COMPETITIVE RACING, RECREATION, LEISURE & SUPPORT SERVICES IN A 24hr CONSOLIDATED MULTI-PURPOSE FACILITY

Below is a diagrammatic representation of the consolidation of Race Support - Racing teams with support personnel, various cycling related facilities into one park setting to provide race officials and spectators need suitable facilities for all ages, abilities and cycling preferences. for the duration of the race, ie viewing points and spectator stands close to finish or key locations, TURAL TR toilets, catering facilities etc. IENDLY NA AIL AND E LY FR DUCA AMI TIO Clubhouse & Cafes – Teams and riding clubs L F NAL NA CHILD CAR FA frequently stay in touch using social media but TIO CI EA CYCLE PARKING LIT clubhouses offer a regular meeting place to organize CR IY E TO R COURSE L events, meet for post ride get-togethers etc. The EA CAFE RACE R clubhouse could also cater for other facilities such as N A indoor training facilities, eg fitness gym or spinning CLUB SUPPORT B MED O HIRE U room, physiotherapy treatment rooms, healthbar/ HOUSE T SKATE D E café, changing/ shower facilities etc S PARK E FAMILY BMX PUMP R SPECTATOR T

CRITERIUM A Competitive Race Facilities - a number of events PARK TRACK N SEATING D

can be hosted on purpose built tracks for mountain

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COURSE FREESTYLE T S

biking, and criteriums. Spectator seating can be L

BMX A

N arranged to view all tracks and allow for prize giving

D

S

C events.

A

P

MOUNTAIN E

&

W Trails - natural rugid terrains exploring the desert

BIKE TRAILS I

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D landscape. Trails can be split between family friendly L

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F E trails and more competitive routes.

DESERT Family Facilities - to attract the whole family and TRAIL encourage healthy lifestyles in children, parks, cafes, play areas. Grassed embankments and viewing areas can allow families to watch loved ones in races. A children’s proficiency cycle course can be provided to Evening/ 24hr cycling – The Dubai climate can render teach children safety rules of road. some outdoor facilities useless in the early dark evenings or during summer when daylight hours are too hot. Therefore BMX freestyle, pump tracks, skate parks and other a 24hr facility that enables people to use the park when facilities aimed at teenagers and adults can attract conditions dictate enables people to maintain their hobby/ people of all ages. sport throughout the year.

www.placedynamix.me INTERNATIONAL EXAMPLES OF CYCLE PARKS

The National Cycling Centre was Britain’s first indoor Olympic cycling track, and since it opened in 1994, has become one of the World’s finest and Redbridge Cycling Centre is a fastest board tracks. The World Cycle Centre in facility for cyclists of all abilities, from Switzerland is a high-level coaching families to competitive riders. In July 2011, the National Cycling and training centre. It is noted for Centre was expanded significantly its modern facilities and is located The Centre has purpose built road & with the launch of a new £24Million in an ideal environment for cycling. off road tracks, a large stock of hire purpose built indoor BMX Complex. Designed for riders, coaches and bikes including mountain bikes, road It houses the UK’s only permanent cycling managers, the WCC has been bikes, , children’s bikes, trailer indoor BMX track with seating for two given the label ‘Olympic Training bikes, bikes with child seats as well as thousand fans. Centre’ by the IOC. number of adapted bikes for disabled users. The centre hosts a comprehensive The WCC hosts a 200m indoor wooden BMX track programme catering track, BMX Supercross Olympic The Centre runs the Cycle Vision for all riders; from novice to elite, track with start ramp, weights room, scheme and has qualified British schoolchildren to masters aged from clothing and equipment for all cycling Cycling coaches who offer school 18months upwards. disciplines, mechanical workshop, holiday courses, coaching for schools restaurant providing meals that and are able to teach customers (adults New for 2013 was the introduction of meet the nutritional requirements of & children) how to ride. The Mountain Bike trails. The trails athletes, highly qualified coaches and are 12km in length comprising of four instructors, classrooms and meeting different skill levels ranging from easy rooms and accommodation nearby. to expert. The National Cycling Centre is the Trail head for this route. The main objective of the WCC is to detect and train the most There is also a Mountain Bike and promising athletes so that they reach BMX Skills Zone featuring a pump international level. track and plenty of Technical Trail Features.

www.placedynamix.me 05 CONCEPT DESIGN OF A CYCLE PARK

www.placedynamix.me NUMEROUS LOCATIONS RAK ARE POSSIBLE FOR Khawaneej Park Festival City

A CYCLE PARK. THESE Ras Al Khor Mushrif Park

ARE A FEW POSSIBLE Meydan Racecourse Nad Al Sheba Showka LOCATIONS Academic City Racetrack Hamdan Sports Complex

Dubai Sports City Camel Track Dubai Studio City Dubai Cycling Course (top of stick) Dubai Expo 2020

Dubai Cycling Course (loop)

www.placedynamix.me USING DUBAI CYCLING COURSE AS A POTENTIAL LOCATION FOR A CYCLE PARK FACILITY

AS THE CURRENT HOME OF DUBAI ROAD CYCLING, WE HAVE CHOSEN DUBAI CYCLING COURSE AS THE LOCATION FOR AN EXAMPLE OF HOW A CYCLE PARK COULD LOOK AND FUNCTION IN A DESERT LANDSCAPE CONNECTED TO EXISTING FACILITIES

www.placedynamix.me BMX MOUNTAIN BIKE CHILDRENS CYCLING In the following plans are our Our proposal looks to offer a state of The site should be designed to proposals for a consolidated cycle park the art cycling centre in a park setting accommodate race standard facilities, where a number of different cycling that meets the demands of cycling therefore official race criteria will feed disciplines can ride in a safe and professionals & elite racers, enthusiasts into the design of individual discipline enjoyable desert landscape setting. and recreational riders. courses to enable racing to take place Additional park facilities will provide to official race standards. for families and younger generations to The park could accommodate a also benefit from the safe environment. full range of facilities that meet The climate is a contributing factor the majority of cycling disciplines. to the operational requirements of The Dubai Cycle Park is proposed as a The overall aim is to accommodate cyclists in Dubai, therefore the site will facility for cyclists of all abilities, from all disciplines and abilities be designed to accommodate 24 hour families to competitive riders – a cycle simultaneously, including racing. facilities with lighting to enable early destination for Dubai, the United Arab morning & late night cycling. Emirates and the wider Middle East.

RECREATIONAL ROAD CYCLING FAMILY PARK www.placedynamix.me NB: this plan is for illustrative purposes only to visualize how a cycle park could look and function. Further testing of location and financial feasibility would need to be undertaken concept plan

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Total Site Area - approx. 330,000m2 (33 hectares)

www.placedynamix.me NB: this plan is for illustrative purposes only to visualize how a cycle park could look and function. Further testing of location and financial feasibility would need to be undertaken sports facilities plan

halfpipe and bmx bowl Children’s cycling proficciency course connection to existing cycle track to allow for grand finishes to longer desert races start/finish by spectator stand family cycling track BMX /

750m crit loop BMX pump track or Supercross track

850m crit loop 1.5km mountain bike trail 1km mountain bike trail bridges for mountain bike track over crit course 2km mountain bike trail 3km criterium track

multi-functional desert

400m crit loop crit 400m technical hard level trail for all users mountain bike trails easy level outer mountain loops in criterium track to bike trail (2km) north provide shorter races

Criterium Course BMX pump track Desert Trail Track Dubai Cycling Course (total 3km) (total 500m) (total 2.2km) (over 100km) Mountain Bike Trails Freestyle BMX & Children’s Cycle BMX Half pipe and bowl (total 6km) Skate Park Proficiency Course competitions www.placedynamix.me NB: this plan is for illustrative purposes only to visualize how a cycle park could look and function. Further testing of location and financial feasibility would need to be undertaken support facilities plan existing site entrance

existing facilities additional facilities to support cafe existing car parking can be expanded

educational road safety display existing facilities shade canopies, BBQs and family sports facilities in family park covered spectator seating stand to view all tracks

raised embankment to allow for viewing of races from family park

link to existing track architectural feature bridges

educational signs and displays teaching about desert landcape and wildflife

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• Criterium track - 3km total • Children’s cycle proficiency course • Mountain bike trails - 6km total • Family Park and facilities • Desert Trail Track - 2.2km • New support facilities • BMX pump track • Expanded parking • BMX / Skate park • Spectator seating and facilities www.placedynamix.me NB: this plan is for illustrative purposes only to visualize how a cycle park could look and function. Further testing of location and financial feasibility would need to be undertaken desert landscape plan intermittent use of shade trees to crit course to lower surface family park stabilises sand and trees temperature and shade riders block excessive wind speed limited use of grass due to high water trees at edges and corners to consumption and no shading benefit act as wind break

sand fences and other mitigation devices around site edges to limit wind blown sand entering park

trees act as windbreak for hot southerly shamal winds artificially raised terrain for mountain bike trails to make some routes harder

north simple palette of indigenous tree species used to create an authentic desert landscape that is better suited to arid conditions and creates visually interesting environment

www.placedynamix.me place

Place Dynamix (Middle East)

[email protected] www.placedynamix.me

Studio 1405, Jumeirah Bay X3 Tower, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai, UAE

+971 4 399 1186

www.placedynamix.me