The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) in Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Cycling Club have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop walking and cycling facilities in the emirate.

As part of the deal, Abu Dhabi Walking and Cycling Master Plan aims to provide a viable transport option, especially for short trips in a safe and healthy transport network that is suitable to the weather in Abu Dhabi and increase the number of pedestrians and cyclists.

Additionally, the master plan aims to offer integrated, safe, secured and sustainable transport services that are designed in line with the Capital Surface Transport Master Plan and Abu Dhabi Vision 2030, it added.

The deal aims to enhance the efforts dedicated to implement infrastructure projects that follow the Abu Dhabi Walking and Cycling Master Plan, remarked Abdulkarim Abdulrahim Al Raeesi, the director general of ITC, after signing the deal with Mohammed Khalil Al Hammadi, manager of Abu Dhabi Cycling Club.

“The cooperation between us and Abu Dhabi Cycling Club accomplishes a number of objectives that will serve the public and increase the quality of life in Abu Dhabi,” he stated.

“The MoU supports the efforts dedicated to develop the walking and cycling infrastructure in Abu Dhabi and will consequently encourage the use of cycling as one of the main transport modes for short trips,” said Al Raeesi.

The MoU identifies the co-operation framework of implementing walking and cycling infrastructure projects in light of the Abu Dhabi Master Plan that encourages active travel modes to create healthier, safer and more sustainable society.

As per the agreement, both parties will coordinate together to facilitate the implementation of the current strategic transport plan in the country and will cooperate to promote active travel modes and improve wellbeing, stated Al Hammadi.

That can be achieved because of all the services that are offered by Abu Dhabi Cycling Club and the club’s significant participations in events, exhibitions and campaigns, he noted.

Additionally, both parties will improve pedestrian walkways and cycling paths in main areas in Abu Dhabi. This comes in line with the aim of developing an integrated network for walking and cycling, he added.- TradeArabia News Service