I think the look of blank astonishment which would meet your ideas would speak for itself.
Cyclists here are generally seen as the poorest of the poor expats - and therefore not a group to be taken in any ways seriously. I'm not saying your point of view is wrong, but your "expectation" that your complaint will be taken seriously (even if it is in the press, which is also tightly controlled) is unfortunately, almost laughable.
Cars/SUVs are king here and will remain so for so long as it is cheaper and EASIER to get around (and by easier, no physical exertion is required). I think much of the GCC could be a great "walkable" place to live, but pedestrians are treated as badly as cyclists.
So while the climate (for 6 - 8 months of the year) is conducive to moderate outdoor (and healthy) physical activity (i.e. cycling and walking) until the road traffic authority and urban planners recognize it as such (and are egged on by health authorities - obesity and diabetes and heart problems here are epidemic - mostly because of lack of exercise) nothing will change.
I think the best bet would be to take a "general" health approach to changing not only the grates but overall pedestrian and cycling awareness would be a better idea.
But, having seen the cars circling in the mall parking lots to get a space close to the doors (goodness, we wouldn't have to walk to go walking around and shopping would we!!) I won't hold my breath.
Signature line > "You can't fix stupid"
I think the look of blank astonishment which would meet your ideas would speak for itself.
Cyclists here are generally seen as the poorest of the poor expats - and therefore not a group to be taken in any ways seriously. I'm not saying your point of view is wrong, but your "expectation" that your complaint will be taken seriously (even if it is in the press, which is also tightly controlled) is unfortunately, almost laughable.
Cars/SUVs are king here and will remain so for so long as it is cheaper and EASIER to get around (and by easier, no physical exertion is required). I think much of the GCC could be a great "walkable" place to live, but pedestrians are treated as badly as cyclists.
So while the climate (for 6 - 8 months of the year) is conducive to moderate outdoor (and healthy) physical activity (i.e. cycling and walking) until the road traffic authority and urban planners recognize it as such (and are egged on by health authorities - obesity and diabetes and heart problems here are epidemic - mostly because of lack of exercise) nothing will change.
I think the best bet would be to take a "general" health approach to changing not only the grates but overall pedestrian and cycling awareness would be a better idea.
But, having seen the cars circling in the mall parking lots to get a space close to the doors (goodness, we wouldn't have to walk to go walking around and shopping would we!!) I won't hold my breath.
Signature line > "You can't fix stupid"