"Air conditioned" bike path in Qatar

It's not a mega-project but a way to humanize them.

What struck me about Dubai when I was there was how ideal it would be for cycling, at least some part of the year, because it is basically dead-flat. Plus they could really use an alternative way of getting around because of the horrible auto traffic. The problem? The heat (and humidity) of course. The obvious solution is shaded bike paths, some combination of trees and awnings. And if you combine shade, I wondered when I was there, with 'misting' — think the produce section of the supermarket — maybe you'd get a system to extend the biking season. My thinking went farther into "Dubai Style" bike clothing: have a competition among the best clothing designers in the world to develop bike clothing specifically for non-racers optimized for a very hot climate. This research into "hot weather cycling" could be useful to other and poorer nations so the Sheik would be helping not just Dubai but helping sustainability all over the world.

And it would be great for tourism. My one big and major complain about Dubai is that it is totally oriented to the auto. Dubai makes no provision for the pedestrian which is unfortunate. Why would I go back to Dubai, if it wasn't on business? I mean I liked the place but I found it somewhat stultifying to spend my time indoors most of the time i.e. in hotel, shopping mall and auto. (Actually I went on some tours out in the desert and that was great but you get the idea: Dubai has to offer a lot more than shopping and gaping at the super-wealthy) If Dubai wants to promote tourism — at least certain kind of repeat tourism — it needs to provide low-key things to do and I think that getting around on bikes could be a central part of it. That's beyond all the health benefits etc etc which apply as much to residents of Dubai as tourists.

The good news is that Dubai is developing a bike plan. Knowing a little bit about how the Sheik of Dubai gets things done, it will probably be the "best bike path system in the world." I hope he takes such priode in it.

Anyway, someone has taken my dream and is turning it into reality: Cooled Cycling Infrastructure.,  Mist-Cooled Bike Paths Being Built in Qatar. And here's a video featuring the path's articluate and well-reasoned designer: Qatar’s cooled cycle-path.

I'd embed the video directly in this post but I haven't figured out how to do that yet so here's an artist's rendition:

 

Comments

[Qatar Guest]

Are they going ahead with the cycle path, then? I read about it ages ago but I thought it had died a death!

[Dave Sucher]

I sure do hope they go ahead with it. It's a brilliant idea, depending on the cost. The flat terrain of the Gulf cities (OK, at least Dubai) is ideal for biking — if the heat can be beat. Simple shade is a huge part of it. Would "misters" do any good in a climate already so humid in summer?

I have been trying to get a copy of the new Bike Plan for Dubai but alas I can't seem to obtain one. I wonder what provisions for extreme (hot) weather biking the Dubaians suggest? They could be doing the world a service by using their enormous momentum, buying power and organizational skills to figure out (if possible) one makes hot weather cycling more possible for hot-weather cities. Perhaps different clothing for example i.e. loose etc.

[Qatar Boy]

This is pretty awesome, it's by far more useful than Ski Dubai for sure. I guess Florida can use one or two of these. Cheers, QB

[Qatar Boy]

Pretty cool thing - I do hope they deliver the promised. I am also concerned about the mist and inevitable humidity of summer months - but we'll have to wait and see on that one. Just my 2c. Cheers, Amar