Why we don’t see a lot of cyclists in Qatar
Whereas countries in Europe, US and many other countries are working towards becoming more bicycle-friendly not only to stop excess pollution but also because of its many health benefits, you don’t see a lot of people on bicycles on the roads of Qatar. In fact, in the last month, I don’t think I have seen a single cyclist on the roads.
It’s not that people can’t cycle here in Doha, it’s just not the norm.
Perhaps it’s because there aren’t a lot of cycle tracks and paths in Qatar. The few cycle paths that you do find are those leading to the airport, beside the Ceremonial Road and service roads in the vicinity of the Moto GP track at Lusail, and in the Pearl area where the roads see relatively less traffic.
Perhaps it’s the heavy traffic that keeps avid cyclists from taking to the Qatar roads. Cars and SUVs drive at high speeds here and are not used to seeing cyclists on the road, so there is always a risk of getting into an accident. That may be the reason why cyclists avoid being on these roads.
Maybe the hot weather most of the year is preventing people who enjoy cycling from following their passion. In the summer months, temperatures in Qatar may touch 45-48 degrees Celsius, and if that isn’t enough, the humidity in the late summer months does not help.
Whatever the reason, the fact is that cycling is a fun way to explore the city, get a good dose of exercise and needs to be promoted in Qatar.
What are your thoughts? Do you agree?
Just to add some thoughts. Agreed the fact that soaring weather will be an obstacle for cycling during the rest of the six months.
My question is, Doha already promised some time ago to provide 18 degrees inside the stadium during the world cup on a 45 degree summer.
If that is the case, Can the authorities think more green on each side of the road with cycling track's. A thought today, can it be fulfilled after 15 to 20 years time.
With petrol available at a very low rates, few would think of cycling around the city. Only those who really are health-conscious would think of cycling. Walking is an equally good form of exercise.
The fact that its only practical to be on a bike for 6 months of the year, makes it hard for anyone to make it a habit!
Yes, Walking to the destination from few meters away is a respect you pay to the place and your self.
b_sut: It's very unfortunate that you can not preserve your valuable sport of cycling in Doha. Doha managed to bring some greatest people on board. Then those people don't have the platform to perform.
Btw; I saw the other day in aspire near Dorm, some of our Filipino brothers using their cycles in style. It was glad to see them.
There's also the issue of harrassment.. I remember Zafirah riding down the corniche wearing her pink cycling shorts and ..........
I was an avid cyclist in my country, but when I moved to Doha in 2011, I stopped all that activity. For me, cycling in Doha is a half suicide, high speed SUV with the driver holding his phone will be the most enemy for all cyclist in this country
Mohamed: The Lord does work in mysterious ways. It seems that here , most of the people are unable to walk short distances .. Their bodies are designed for transport from source to as near the front gate of school or entrance to mall.
I agree with your post. Please kindly promote cycling in Qatar.
When I was schooling 30 years ago, I used to walk nearly 1 KM to school.
I used to walk around 1.5 KM to grounds.
I take my son & daughter to school here in Doha by car and usually stop 100 M to 150 M away from the school gate.
Just to make sure the school pathway is without traffic.
What do you think about the other parents?
Most of them stop right in front of the school gate and make a wonderful traffic everyday. Do you think those expat did the same in their home country or have they all gone school by vehicle?
I think need some repair in the head of the people as well. (People forgetting the basic after they land here)
^^True
And people who do use for exercise use it in close places like compounds or parks...
And this is another lame post By Qatarliving.. recently many lame ones,,,
The simple fact is that it sis too hot for most of the year.
Roads and motorists here are not friendly towards the cyclist.
lastly, most of the expat population here do not see cycling as a need or for exercise. Those who do cycle are usually lower paid or labourers who need to get from A to B cheaply