Abu Dhabi Walking and Cycling

Master Plan – Summary Introduction 12

Abu Dhabi Walking and Cycling
Master Plan – Summary Introduction 13

Executive
Summary
Abu Dhabi Walking and Cycling
Master Plan – Summary Executive Summary 14

Walking and Cycling

in Abu Dhabi
This Walking and Cycling Master Plan (WCMP) advocates walking and cycling
– “active travel” – as essential and increasingly popular means of personal
transportation for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. It promotes these modes as a unique
opportunity to develop a society which is healthier, safer, sustainable and defined
by movement of people rather than motor vehicles. It advances the idea that
everyone, regardless of age, sex, culture or income can choose to walk or cycle for
a range of trip purposes, supporting high quality places and as a cornerstone of
the Emirate’s future economic and social development.

The WCMP aims to develop active travel as key elements of a comprehensive,

balanced and multi-modal transport system to 2030. In this context, walking
and cycling:

• Provide a viable transport option, especially for short trips, which maximises
access to jobs and services without increasing congestion
• Improve wellbeing through active lifestyles and help prevent poor health,
including obesity, diabetes and circulatory disease
• Support sustainable land use, create vibrant, safe and liveable places and
ensure greater access for everyone to local services
• Provide mobility, equity and access, and enhanced mobility and independence
for vulnerable groups
• Are critical success factors for the development of viable public transport
networks, interchanges and services
• Help improve local air quality and reduce carbon emissions
• Support sustainable culture and tourism, strengthening Abu Dhabi’s brand value
as a regional and global destination
• Can be promoted and adopted for much of the year within the climatic and
geographical constraints of the Emirate
• Are inexpensive to the user and offer a sound investment with benefits
significantly outweighing the costs
Abu Dhabi Walking and Cycling
Master Plan – Summary Executive Summary 15

Walking and Cycling Events

at Yas Marina Circuit, Abu
Dhabi – The Challenge is to
Mainstream Active Travel into
Everyday Life.
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Master Plan – Summary Executive Summary 16

This Master Plan

The WCMP has been developed by the Abu Dhabi Department of Transport
(DoT) to detail the strategy and programme for active travel as part of its efforts to
develop a multi-modal transport system as outlined in the Surface Transport Master
Plan (STMP). It aims to help those who currently walk and cycle to do so more
safely and comfortably, reduce barriers to wider take-up, and to encourage those
who do not walk or cycle to consider adopting sustainable travel behaviour as part
of their daily lives. The ultimate goal is to foster an active travel culture for all in
communities, neighbourhoods and urban centres across the Emirate.

WCMP preparation has involved collaboration with the Urban Planning Council,
Abu Dhabi Police and the three municipalities of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Western
Region. Engagement has also been undertaken with other agencies with a
potential interest in walking and cycling such as the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi,
Abu Dhabi Education Council, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Abu Dhabi Authority
for Culture and Heritage and Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority. These agencies have
indicated support for active travel overall, and the WCMP specifically, as it aligns
with their own corporate goals and initiatives.

Existing shared surface

through the Al Ain Oasis used
by cyclists. The Master Plan
will look to tie into existing
connections like this.
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Master Plan – Summary Executive Summary 17

Vision, Goals
and Objectives
The WCMP has a vision for 2030. This vision is supported by four strategic goals:

• Increase walking and cycling connectivity and mobility

• Improve user safety and personal security
• Promote active lifestyles through liveable environments
• Integrate walking and cycling with land use and other travel modes

Within these goals, specific objectives, key performance indicators and combined
quantitative targets, have been defined across the Emirate. These are based
on international comparators, measures adopted for other parallel studies (e.g.
Pedestrian Safety Action Plan) and discussions with officials from DoT and other
agencies.

• Achieve a doubling by 2020 and tripling by 2030 of mode share for walking
and cycling
• Increase the number of walking and cycling trips in urban areas by at least
200% by 2020 and 400% by 2030
• Reduce the number of pedestrian and cyclist accidents by 30% by 2015 and
by 50% by 2030
• A new target to be established for trips to school on foot and by cycle, subject
to further analysis and agreement between DoT, ADEC and the Abu Dhabi Police

For these targets, further work will be undertaken to identify baseline performance,
set appropriate sub-divisions and understand the relationship between key
actions and desired outcomes. This will be undertaken as part of the wider task of
establishing a robust monitoring and performance management framework.
Abu Dhabi Walking and Cycling
Master Plan – Summary Executive Summary 18
Abu Dhabi Walking and Cycling
Master Plan – Summary Executive Summary 19

The Vision for Walking and Cycling

in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi

“An Emirate where healthy active

lifestyles are promoted through
context sensitive design of the
built environment. In order to
achieve this, walking and cycling
will be accessible, safe, convenient
and enjoyable for all as part of an
integrated and sustainable
transport system.”
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Master Plan – Summary Executive Summary 20

Strategic Directions
The Master Plan proposes a rebalancing of the structure and use of the Emirate’s
transport system towards active travel modes, with emphasis on investing in
infrastructure and supporting initiatives of sufficient capacity and quality to provide
a genuine alternative choice for short-distance trip-making on foot or cycle.
The WCMP proposes three strategic directions and 15 guiding policies.

Strategic Direction 1 – Investing in Networks Strategic Direction 3 – Strengthening Planning &

and Facilities Decision-Making

The WCMP places a priority on the planning, design and
phased implementation of a high quality infrastructure network
across the Emirate’s key urban areas comprising routes
and facilities which are comprehensive, connected, safe,
comfortable and legible for a range of target user groups,
operated and maintained in a manner which retains the
effectiveness and impact of the key assets.
• Policy 1.1 – Developing and applying effective Design
Standards
• Policy 1.2 – Developing comprehensive networks and
active travel priority areas across key urban centres,
residential and commercial areas
• Policy 1.3 – Developing end-of-ride and other support
facilities, including diversification of the cycle fleet
• Policy 1.4 – Providing a legible network through
wayfinding
• Policy 1.5 – Integrating active travel with other transport
modes, especially public transport
• Policy 1.6 – Managing and maintaining infrastructure
assets for sustained user benefits
Strategic Direction 2 – Changing Attitudes and Behaviour
The WCMP recognises the need for more co-ordinated
decision-making and use of available powers, skills and
resources between different agencies if an effective
investment programme is to be delivered. Planning and
delivery must be aligned across government tiers and
geographies and involve the private sector, ensuring that
decisions are supported by appropriate research and
evidence, effective legislation and regulation, and through
robust governance arrangements.
• Policy 3.1 – Integrating active travel with land use
and development
• Policy 3.2 – Mainstreaming active Travel into the
planning process
• Policy 3.3 – Strengthening legislation, regulation and
enforcement, including changes to the UAE Federal
Traffic Law
• Policy 3.4 – Promoting strong governance through
inter-agency cooperation, including a new Active Travel
Advisory Committee
• Policy 3.5 – Developing capacity, skills and knowledge
across agencies, including the creation of an Active Travel
Research Bureau

The WCMP proposes that where active travel networks

are significantly enhanced through capital investment, they
will be will be proactively managed and marketed with a
view to ensuring safe operation, changing public attitudes
and behaviour, and supporting integration with the wider
management of traffic.

• Policy 2.1 – Understanding and promoting the direct and

wider benefits of active travel modes
• Policy 2.2 – Delivering a step change in safety and
personal security
• Policy 2.3 – Undertaking branded campaigns and
programmes through social marketing initiatives
• Policy 2.4 – Co-ordinating active travel with traffic and
demand Management
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Master Plan – Summary Executive Summary 21

Network
Development
The Master Plan proposes active travel networks across the Emirate where there
is greatest demand for making journeys by cycle, foot and where possible, as
part of multimodal journey. These networks have been developed at a strategic
level, connecting neighbourhoods and districts, whilst focussing on provision of
infrastructure for journeys to be made at a local level.

Specifically, the Master Plan proposes: The Plan proposes the development of prioritised zones for
pedestrian activity, linked to principles of designing complete
• In Abu Dhabi and Al Ain Cities, the downtown Central streets which reduce the dominance of traffic and allow an
Business Districts, in which a very large number of equitable balance between all road users. Such zones will
short trips are undertaken daily, are key areas to improve be typified by suitable mid-block crossing facilities, traffic
infrastructure. A multi-use network of routes used for calming, and other physical features to deliver a pedestrian
recreation and utility trips has been developed in these network which connects to all places where people want to
areas connecting places of work and recreation to go, and which is convenient, legible, comfortable, attractive
residential areas and accessible to all. Early focus points for the development
of such areas will be the Central Business Districts of Abu
• Existing residential districts such as Khalifa City B and
Dhabi (North Island) and Al Ain, and Capital District.
Mohamed Bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi should be
supported by walking and cycling routes, primarily aimed
In Western Region, a series of ongoing Master Plans for
at encouraging residents to make recreational journeys in
towns such as Ruwais, Mirfa and Liwa are ongoing with
and around their neighbourhoods
phasing of network delivery primarily dependent on the
• Routes in industrial areas such as Musaffah should be delivery of new infrastructure, allowing connectivity and
developed at locations where there is already great risk in mobility at a local town level.
undertaking walking and cycling in existing network and
traffic conditions It is expected that local networks will be further developed
as the Master Plan is adopted across the Emirate. To this
Together, these networks represent a length of over end, the Municipalities will prepare Local Walking and Cycling
900 Kilometres for Abu Dhabi Municipality and over 450 Master Plans which align closely with the objectives and
Kilometres for Al Ain. The network covers existing urban areas principles set out in the WCMP.
and new development areas and is predominantly focused on
arterial and local roads since these provide the main corridors
for multi-use movement, strategically connecting places
where people want to travel for utility and recreation. Wadis,
greenways and other off street facilities provide additional
routes as part of the overall networks in urban centres. The
WCMP minimises the provision for walking and cycling along
expressways in the short term, but such routes contribute
to strategically connecting districts in the longer term as
neighbourhood networks are completed.
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Master Plan – Summary Executive Summary 22

Social Marketing
In parallel with the phased implementation of network infrastructure, wayfinding
and other facilities, the Master Plan proposes a range of branded social marketing
activities, resulting in projects, campaigns and programmes which will reach a
broad spectrum of Abu Dhabi residents, workers and visitors. Based on specific
target groups, these will raise awareness of the benefits of walking and cycling,
underline key safety messages, support user training and actively promote a
change in travel behaviour which is sustained over time.

The DoT will investigate the potential for a range of social

marketing initiatives, working closely with other agencies,
including:

• Travel behaviour change programmes, such as workplace

Abu Dhabi
or school-based travel plans and community travel
behaviour change initiatives

by foot
• Schools-based initiatives which take a holistic view to
changing travel behaviour under the overall description
and design philosophy of “Safer Routes to School” (in
association with ADEC)
• Programmes which support cycling and walking as part of
public health initiatives (with delivery support from HAAD)
• Programmes which aim to encourage active living through
walking and cycling for leisure and tourism (in association
with ADTA and ADACH)
• Branded adult and child pedestrian and cycle education
and training (in association with the Abu Dhabi Police)
• Large scale cycling events such as cyclovias and guided

Abu Dhabi
rides, and sports-related activities such as mountain
biking (in association with Municipalities, HAAD and the
Abu Dhabi
by foot
Abu Dhabi Sports Council)
by foot

Sheikh Zayed Mosque

An example of social marketing initiative -

walking map application on mobile phone
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Master Plan – Summary Executive Summary 23

The Action Plan

and Programme
Against each of the 15 guiding policies, the Master Plan proposes an Action Plan
containing a set of prioritised initiatives in the short, medium and long term to
2030.

In the immediate and short term, up to 2015, the priority will be on gaining
endorsement of the Master Plan from key agencies and preparatory actions
such as confirming the Design Standards, establishing the proposed Active
Travel Advisory Committee, making appropriate laws and regulation, and drafting
guidelines for the first tranche of Local Walking and Cycling Plans. This will be
followed by early implementation of a number of Demonstration Projects and other
“quick win” initiatives which will test key concepts, raise public and stakeholder
awareness and help to make the case for larger scale investment in the medium
and long-term.

The Plan proposes that the bulk of the capital investment programme, in terms of
active travel infrastructure and facilities, will take place after 2016 as walking and
cycling is increasingly mainstreamed into the planning and delivery activities of the
DoT and other public agencies, as well as taken forward for new developments
through the planning process. Towards 2030, with the active travel networks largely
delivered, the focus will shift toward management, operation and maintenance
activities and supporting infrastructure with comprehensive social marketing
focused on the needs, perceptions and motivators of specific target groups.
Abu Dhabi Walking and Cycling
Master Plan – Summary Executive Summary 24
24

Programme Costs
and Funding
The Master Plan estimates the capital outlay required to 2030 to deliver the
recommended strategic networks at approximately AED 3.1 billion. This is broken
down for Abu Dhabi (AED 2.1 billion) and Al Ain (AED 1.0 billion). These costs are
equivalent to AED 2.3 million per kilometre of network, broadly comparable with
international benchmarks.

These cost estimates exclude proposed networks in Western Region which

will be developed as part of the UPC’s Master Planning activities for the seven
principal urban areas. They also exclude local network capital costs which will
be derived by each Municipality as part of their Local Walking and Cycling Plans.
The level of investment required to implement the Master Plan is modest
compared to other transportation modes and represents high value for money
against a range of direct and wider benefits in terms of health, economy, quality
of life and environment.

Whilst Abu Dhabi Government funding is expected to play a major role in

supporting the Plan, a number of additional funding mechanisms will be
investigated including developer contributions ,attraction of match funding from
other public agencies, local businesses or stakeholders , private sector investment
models, direct registration or user charges, and marketing of brand value linked
to commercial opportunities.

The Plan expects some elements – such as diversification of the cycle fleet,
introduction of electric bicycles and supply of clothing to support sporting activity –
to be led by the private sector on a largely commercial basis.
Abu Dhabi Walking and Cycling
Master Plan – Summary Executive Summary 25

Demonstration
Projects
The WCMP proposes a number of Demonstration Projects to provide a first
phase network. These projects will test and validate the proposed Design
Standards and illustrate their fitness for purpose ahead of wider planning and
implementation across Abu Dhabi. They will also raise awareness of the benefits
of active travel amongst public agencies, other stakeholders and the public.

The proposed Demonstration Projects are:

• Abu Dhabi Downtown - Madinat Zayed /Corniche, a downtown mixed use urban environment in Central Abu Dhabi
• Khalifa City, a residential environment on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi City
• Downtown Al Ain
• Mirfa in Western Region

The Master Plan sets out a detailed plan, programme and budget to implement the first Demonstration Project in Abu Dhabi
City as a priority, integrated with a number of initiatives already planned or underway by Abu Dhabi Municipality and others.

Demonstration Project for Abu

Dhabi City - Proposed view
of a shaded cycle track which
is retro-fitted into an existing
commercial and residential
streetscape in the Madinat
Zayed area.
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Master Plan – Summary Executive Summary 26

Leadership and
Multi-Agency
Collaboration
No single agency has a complete remit for the planning, delivery, operation and
monitoring across active travel initiatives. The Master Plan therefore proposes that
the key agencies work collaboratively within a formal structure of shared policy,
programmes, and formalised governance arrangements.

This provides: It is vital that, the benefits of active travel are recognised and
actively promoted by senior leaders, both within the agencies
• Strategic leadership and oversight within the context of directly responsible for delivery, and within those with a wider
the DoT’s overall remit for surface transportation, with a interest. Ultimately, senior decision makers should “lead by
wider distribution of functions across agencies in respect example,” changing corporate and wider social attitudes
of delivery on the ground and behaviour, and also securing a substantial increase in
resources devoted to active travel initiatives from the public
• A shared strategic agenda through collective
and private sectors.
endorsement by all agencies of the Master Plan, its
objectives and key initiatives
• A new joint institution – the Active Travel Advisory
Committee – to provide collective ownership, oversight
and monitoring, with Memoranda of Understanding or
Responsibility Agreements between the DoT and other
agencies on key roles
• A network of Active Travel Coordinators within key
agencies, providing training and supporting joint cross-
sector working
• Local Walking and Cycling Plans, prepared by each
Municipality, to provide a link between the WCMP
strategic vision and detailed planning, design and
implementation at the local level
• A range of supporting measures including alignment
of funding, strengthening of capacity and skills, use of
WCMP Design Workshop, Abu Dhabi, April 2011
the private sector and a new Active Travel Research
Bureau to enhance technical development, research and
monitoring of outcomes
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Master Plan – Summary Executive Summary 27

Assessing the
Benefits of the Plan
The strategy and programme set out in the Master Plan is fully consistent with the
DoT’s overarching strategic priorities set out in the STMP. It also aligns closely with
the corporate goals and planned initiatives of the UPC, Municipalities and a range
of other agencies.

Full implementation of the Master Plan will result in: In addition to these outcomes, the WCMP will secure:

• A significant upgrading of the infrastructure, facilities and
supporting resources for walking and cycling across the
Emirate of Abu Dhabi
• Branded networks receiving recognition and positive buy-
in from a range of user groups
• Achievement of a number of direct strategic outcomes,
including modal shift, increased take-up of active
travel, improved road safety and personal security, and
contribution to reduced road congestion, increased public
transport patronage, reduced air pollution and noise
impacts, increased travel choice and urban connectivity
• Contribution to wider economic, social, cultural and
environmental priorities, a number of which have been
highlighted by the Abu Dhabi Government in its 2030
vision and policy agenda
• A high quality public realm, better urban places and
destinations and an enhanced brand value for Abu Dhabi
• Stronger decision making and governance arrangements,
leading to closer and more productive collaborative
working across agencies
• Closer engagement with the private sector, including a
number of initiatives which will be taken forward on fully
commercial lines, with a resulting stronger supply chain
for key functions and activities
• Closer involvement of users, stakeholders and the wider
public in setting and influencing investment plans
• Organisations with greater capacity, a more extensive
skills base and enhanced planning, project management,
operational and maintenance systems and processes
These considerations demonstrate that the WCMP represents
high value for money against the public investment required.
In future, the Plan recommends the development of
techniques which will allow the ratio between costs and
benefits to be quantified so that the investment case can be
compared with opportunity costs in other modes and sectors.
Abu Dhabi Walking and Cycling
Master Plan – Summary Executive Summary
Executive Summary 28

Managing and
Monitoring Progress
The Master Plan recommends regular monitoring and evaluation to review delivery
and confirm whether the strategic goals and objectives set are being achieved
in practice.

To this end, a comprehensive monitoring framework will be developed. This

will enable progress to be monitored over time, for successful initiatives to be
identified and replicated, and for lessons to be learnt on how planning and delivery
could be improved. Monitoring will allow the DoT and the Active Travel Advisory
Committee to proactively performance manage delivery and support future
updates of the Master Plan.

It is envisaged that monitoring will be based on tracking key input, output and
outcome measures. Data collection will be integrated with existing data collection
by the DoT, DMA, Municipalities and the Police. However, the proposed Active
Travel Research Bureau will take the lead in a number of measures and develop
bespoke methodologies and processes specifically directed at walking and
cycling.

The Master Plan proposes the preparation of an Annual Progress Report and a
more thorough review every five years.
Abu Dhabi Walking and Cycling
Master Plan – Summary
Executive Summary
The Way Forward
The Master Plan concludes with the following strategic principles and
recommendations for decision makers:
• Walking and cycling are accessible to all and within the
geographical, climatic and cultural constraints of Abu
Dhabi are essential to the future sustainable development
of the Emirate
• Given a genuine choice, commitment from public
agencies, and the right combination of measures,
people want to walk and cycle more than they do
currently, with the potential to significantly increase take
up and mode share
• Infrastructure, in terms of safe and comfortable walking
and cycling routes and support facilities, should be
built where it is most needed, and should be high
quality and designed and maintained to a high and
consistent standard
• This infrastructure must be supported by targeted training,
education, enforcement and social marketing initiatives
which seek to change hearts and minds, alter travel
choices and promote safe and responsible use
29
• In addition to infrastructure planning and development,
successful implementation of the Master Plan requires
modification of existing legislation and regulation, stronger
governance arrangements and the promotion of multi-
agency collaboration. Strong leadership from key decision
makers is essential to bring this about
• Implementation of the Master Plan must take a phased
approach with Demonstration Projects illustrating
key concepts and design approaches, followed by
development and roll out of larger scale investment and
the mainstreaming of walking and cycling into proposals
for other transportation modes, especially public transport
• Monitoring and performance management systems and
processes should be enacted to record progress and
allow delivery to be adapted towards approaches which
are shown to work effectively, efficiently and have the
support of users and stakeholders
Abu Dhabi Walking and Cycling
Master Plan – Summary
Executive Summary
The Master Plan sets out 10 priority and supporting actions which are critical for
the successful development of a walking and cycling culture in the Emirate.
Initial Actions for Implementation of the Master Plan
Strategic Direction 1
Investing in Networks and
Facilities
Priority 1. Facilitate implementation of
Actions Demonstration Projects,
monitor impacts and assess
implications for future walking
and cycling investment
programmes.
2. Commence detailed
planning and implementation
of strategic walking
and cycling networks,
together with setting out the
framework for coordinating
the delivery of local networks.
Key 5. Adopt WCMP Design
Supporting Guidelines as Standards
Actions for the planning and
development of new walking
and cycling infrastructure.
6. Develop wayfinding
systems, coordinated with
development of the strategic
and local walking and cycling
networks.
7. Integrate walking and
cycling with public
transport infrastructure,
interchanges, and services.
8. Develop guidance
and benchmarks for
maintenance of walking
and cycling assets.
30
Strategic Direction 2 Strategic Direction 3
Changing Attitudes and Strengthening Planning and
Behaviour Decision Making
3. Plan and undertake road
user awareness, training
and education campaigns,
with a particular focus on
children, with modifications
to enforcement policy and
practice.
4. Develop and implement
campaigns and
programmes to promote
walking and cycling to the
public.
9. Develop and 10. Implement new or amended
implement active travel legal and regulatory
recommendations from instruments, governance
Abu Dhabi Road Safety arrangements and
Strategy and updated institutional capacity
Pedestrian Safety Action within public agencies which
Plan. actively progress walking and
cycling.