Dubai’s RTA Enhances Pedestrian and Cyclist Infrastructure Across the City
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has made significant strides in improving pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure, with the completion of two new pedestrian bridges on Sheikh Rashid Street and Al Mina Street as part of the extensive Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project. In addition, RTA has constructed six pedestrian and cyclist bridges across key streets throughout the city. Of these, five bridges are scheduled to open by the end of the year, while a sixth will be completed in the first quarter of 2027. The RTA has also unveiled plans to construct 23 additional bridges by the end of 2030.
According to Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, the RTA’s commitment to pedestrian infrastructure “reflects the directives of the leadership to enhance road safety, provide a safe and sustainable mobility environment for all road users, and transform Dubai into a pedestrian and cyclist-friendly city. It also supports the city’s quality of life agenda.”
With this ongoing initiative, Dubai’s network of pedestrian bridges and underpasses has dramatically expanded, growing from 26 in 2006 to 177 by the end of 2024—an increase of 581%. The newly completed and planned bridges will form an integrated network connecting residential areas with major city attractions, encouraging residents to adopt sustainable personal mobility solutions for their daily commutes, including first and last-mile journeys.
As part of the RTA’s strategic approach, the additional bridges being planned up to 2030 will be constructed following detailed field studies. These studies assess population density, integration with land use, tourism and economic activity zones, and public transport station accessibility, all aimed at enhancing traffic flow and ensuring safe movement for both pedestrians and cyclists throughout Dubai.
Al Tayer highlighted the positive impact of these efforts: “RTA’s efforts in enhancing road safety and integrating infrastructure have contributed to a decline in pedestrian fatalities and accidents, from 9.5 deaths per 100,000 people in 2007 to 0.3 deaths in 2024, a reduction of 97%. RTA’s efforts in developing pedestrian crossings have also raised pedestrian satisfaction levels in Dubai to 88%, while pedestrian trips have increased from 307 million in 2023 to 326 million in 2024, a growth of 6%. In addition, cycling trips have risen from 44 million in 2023 to 46.6 million in 2024, reflecting a 5% increase.“
Continuing, Al Tayer emphasized: “RTA places the highest priority on pedestrian safety as one of the core elements of a safe and sustainable transport system in Dubai. The construction of pedestrian and cyclist bridges is in line with Dubai’s Traffic Safety Strategy, which aims to achieve Zero Fatalities and position Dubai among the world’s leading cities in road safety. RTA continues to construct more pedestrian bridges in line with the highest international standards of design and construction, while also incorporating creative and aesthetic elements. These bridges are equipped with the latest global systems, including electromechanical systems, fire alarm and firefighting systems, remote monitoring, and other safety and security requirements. Some bridges are also fitted with dedicated paths and bike racks.“
With ambitious infrastructure plans underway and ongoing enhancements to safety and connectivity, Dubai is steadily moving towards its vision of becoming one of the world’s leading pedestrian and cyclist-friendly cities.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
