Saudi Gazette report

MADINAH — A group of cycling fans in Madinah has emphasized the need to establish special tracks to help them practice the sport without getting involved in deadly accidents.

"Some of our colleagues met with accidents during training," said Ahmed Al-Mukhlafi, a member of Taiba Cyclists.

The lack of special tracks is one of the problems facing cyclists in the Kingdom, he said.

Khaled Miteb, manager of public relations at Madinah Municipality, said international standards must be followed while establishing cycling tracks. Such projects will be implemented considering the number of cyclists in the city, he added.

"At present our group members are practicing the sport in residential areas and along highways," Al-Mukhlafi told Al-Watan Arabic daily. He urged the authorities to establish special tracks for cyclists to practice the sport safely and comfortably.

"The traffic law has set out rules and regulations for cycling and we expect the Traffic Department along with other authorities would provide cyclists special tracks," he said.

Al-Mukhlafi says cycling has become one of the popular sports in the Kingdom as many Saudis love cycling as a hobby and a means to safeguard their health and keep fit.

"Cycling is also an environment-friendly mode of transport," he said.

It makes people energetic and helps them kill calories, he said, adding that Saudi cycling teams take part in national and international competitions.

Al-Mukhlafi's Taiba team has won the first place in a number of competitions that were held inside and outside Saudi Arabia, despite the lack of special tracks for training.

"During the past three months a number of cyclists have been hit by motorists. Some of them were foreign workers while others sportsmen. Some of the injured have been admitted to intensive care units of hospitals,” he explained.

Al-Mukhlafi urged the authorities to establish racing tracks for cyclists with a length of at least 20 kilometers. Support for this sport goes in line with the objectives of Vision 2030.

Special tracks will strengthen the capabilities of cyclists and help them participate in international championships with confidence, he said.