Cycling has really taken off in Qatar in recent years. There are a number of cycling groups, cycling federations here to promote cycling as a way to stay fit and healthy and also to promote sustainability.

However, many people in Qatar don't know that when you take your cycle out, there are a number of laws that you must follow and safety measures you must take to avoid accidents and injuries to yourself and others.

In fact, just recently, the Ministry of Interior, in a joint campaign with North Security, seized a number of bicycles in Doha for violating safety requirements. The violating bicycles were impounded for a week till the owners bought lights, phosphorescent jackets and helmets to get their bicycles back.

So, what are the laws and safety measures when it comes to cycling in Qatar and why are they important? Let's find out.

Safety gear for your protection

Safety gear for you

If you're out riding a bicycle in Qatar, by law, you must wear a bicycle helmet to protect the head from sustaining any serious injury in case of an accident, and a reflective or phosphorescent jacket so you are visible when it's dark. You should wear appropriate clothing that doesn't get stuck or tangled in the chain or the tyres.

Safety gear for your bicycle

For your bicycle, by law in Qatar, you must have a rearview mirror (on the handlebar) so you can see what's behind you. You must also have a front light, a rear reflector, a dynamo (to power the front light), and reflectors on the sides of the pedals to ensure you're visible when it's dark or when visibility is low. The brakes on your bicycle should be well-maintained, you should have an air pump for your tyres fixed on the down tube of your bicycle, and a horn for emergency purposes.

What do Qatar's traffic laws say about cycling?

According to Qatar's Law no. (19) of 2007:

Article 48

• Cyclists should stick to the extreme right-hand side of the carriageway and can move individually behind one another if there are no designated cycle lanes. If there is a designated cycling lane, it is prohibited for cyclists to use the lanes used by cars. Only motorcyclists can use the car lanes.
• Both cyclists and motorcyclists are prohibited from driving without holding the handlebars with both of their hands, except when they are giving hand signals.
• They are also prohibited from holding another vehicle or lifting one wheel off the ground while driving, carrying, pushing or drawing things that impede traffic, or pose a threat to themselves or other road users.
• Cyclists are prohibited from carrying an additional passenger unless the bicycle is equipped for such a purpose. In all cases, motorcyclists and cyclists and those whom they transport with them must wear the appropriate helmet.

Article 70

• No vehicle/bicycle should be driven on the road during the period from sunset to sunrise or when visibility is poor due to weather conditions during daylight hours, without using lights as follows:
  
  • Front lights for motorcycles or bicycles, a rear light/reflector and a light adjacent to the motorcyclist on the rear or side.

Rules cyclists must follow in Qatar

• Cyclists must drive on the same side as the flow of the traffic.
• Cyclists must obey all traffic signals and signs.
• Cyclists must use clear hand signals when they have to turn or stop.
• Cyclists must not ride on the pavements.
• Cyclists must not park their bicycle where it causes obstruction or gets in the way of others using the area.
• If on a road, cyclists must maintain distance from other cars and while overtaking.

Why do we need to follow all these rules when bicycling in Qatar?

Not following safety requirements while riding a bicycle may cause serious accidents and failure to follow the traffic safety rules in Qatar will result in the confiscation of bicycles and impounding them till the rules are obeyed.

RELATED:

• Where to go biking/cycling in Qatar
  
• Doha ChiQlistas - inspiring women to start cycling
• Places where you can buy bikes in Qatar
  

Sources: Al-Sharq; Gulf Times; Al Meezan
Cover image credit: Shutterstock

What is your experience of cycling in Qatar? Do you follow the laws and the rules? Do let us know in our comments section below. Like and share the article - it keeps us going!

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Nabeela

Content Writer

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