Pedways planned to link major buildings in Dubai

Dubai: After putting a fully integrated public transport system in place, Dubai is now planning to build climate controlled pedways to link major buildings to promote a walking culture.

"Apart from the existing and planned air-conditioned pedestrian crossings, we are planning to build air-conditioned pedways to link major buildings, shopping centres, Metro stations and bus stations.

The aim is to make Dubai a pedestrian-friendly city and to encourage people to walk to cover short distances," said Abdul Mohsin Ebrahim, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Strategy and Corporate Governance Sector at the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

Ebrahim told Gulf News in an exclusive interview that pedways either underground, on the ground or elevated would link buildings in areas such as Shaikh Zayed Road.

"We want to see a 20 per cent increase in pedestrian traffic and a 30 per cent decrease in pedestrian fatalities in the next three years as part of the Dubai Pedestrian Safety and Mobility Plan."

According to the RTA's statistics, 49 pedestrians were killed on Dubai's roads in 2001 and in 2007 the figure was 145. However, the number of pedestrians killed in 2008 was down to 106 as more pedestrian bridges were built and the traffic rules strictly enforced.

Ebrahim said the project would be implemented soon after the completion of a study of the areas where the pedways would be built. They have been designed to link pedestrian crossings and Metro stations with nearby buildings.

The majority of the pedways in the congested parts of the city and commercial areas will be air-conditioned.

They will also provide great opportunities for retailers because they will have different kinds of shops, Ebrahim added.

"We are also improving the existing footpaths and building more pedestrian bridges because we consider walking one of the safest transport modes with great benefits."

The number of pedestrian crossings would increase from 17 in 2007 to 93 by 2010.

Safety tips: Take care

Motorists:

• Always observe the speed limit.
• Give way to pedestrians on zebra crossings.
• Keep a distance of at least 1.5-metres from pedestrians.
• Drivers can be fined Dh500 and given six black points for failing to give way to pedestrians on crossings.
• Pedestrians:

• Cross from designated crossings and use footbridges where available.
• Wait for the green light at crossings
• Do not cross where visibility is limited
• Walk on the road facing the traffic if no footpath is available
• You can be fined Dh200 for crossing the road in undesignated places.
• - Source RTA