Known for its impressive architecture, Dubai could add a 93-kilometer city-wide bike path to its list of mega-projects. Designed by architecture studio Urb, the mega-structure would be a covered pathway designed exclusively for cyclists and pedestrians, aiming to encourage Dubai's three million residents to swap their cars for more sustainable and healthier modes of transportation.
The designers hope that cycling and walking will become the primary mode of daily transit for over 80% of Dubai's residents by 2040. Named The Loop, the pathway would be enclosed in a glass and steel structure, climate-controlled to ensure it can be used even in extreme temperatures.
According to Urb CEO Baharash Bagherian, The Loop could make Dubai the world's most connected city for walking and cycling. Beyond functioning as a transport route, the structure would integrate plants and water features, making walking or cycling a pleasant journey through greenery in the middle of the desert. The flooring would utilize kinetic technology to generate electricity when stepped on, providing power to run the system.
The project is linked to the "20-minute city" concept, where residents can reach various neighborhoods within 20 minutes on foot or by bicycle. The proposed route would connect leisure and wellness facilities, such as gyms, hotels, and sports courts, as well as parks and residential neighborhoods. Additionally, it would feature vertical farms for local food production and serve as a venue for recreational sports and community building.
Aside from being a multifunctional public space, The Loop would help connect parts of the city that lack direct access via streets or highways. Dubai's existing infrastructure is primarily car-oriented; thus, transitioning from cars to bicycles in a vehicle-centric city represents a radical shift in urban planning and the infrastructure required to enable such a transition.
Currently in the research and development phase, the proposal also includes various sustainability features and amenities that will define the future of urban mobility in Dubai. "The Loop could make Dubai the most connected city on Earth by foot or bike," said Bagherian. As cities race to upgrade their infrastructure for more sustainable modes of transit, the Dubai project aims to set a new benchmark for cycling and walking infrastructure.
Source: CicloVivo.
This article was written by ArchDaily Team. The translation is powered by AI.
