Qatar Introduces Enhanced Bicycle Master Plan Covering 3,800km

The Qatar Ministry of Transport (MOT) has officially rolled out the enhanced Qatar Bicycle Master Plan (QBMP), an integrated strategy featuring a variety of policies, plans, and regulations to foster cycling and micromobility within the country. This initiative aims to bolster safety, upgrade infrastructure, and establish a sustainable and interconnected transport system capable of addressing both current and future mobility demands.

Designed in response to the swift population surge and urban growth in Qatar, the revamped plan aligns with international standards in modern transportation. It emphasizes safe, efficient, and eco-friendly mobility solutions while aiming to elevate the overall quality of life.

Crafted through extensive collaboration among government bodies, private sector partners, academic institutions, and research organizations, the new QBMP emerged after examining over 1,500 kilometers of existing bike routes, comprising 937 kilometers of dedicated cycling lanes and 561 kilometers of routes linked to pedestrian walkways.

The development process incorporated over 5,000 interviews across Qatar to gauge micromobility usage and discover methods to drive broader acceptance. Beyond this, stakeholders participated in more than 120 technical meetings, while over 60 national and global documents and best practices served as a reference base.

The report reveals that approximately 19 percent of Qatar’s populace possesses a bicycle or micromobility device, yet these modes account for under 1 percent of daily travels, underscoring substantial opportunities for expansion.

To promote the adoption of bicycles for commuting, recreation, and sports, the updated plan is centered around creating secure and sustainable infrastructure while regulating new micromobility devices.

Prominently, the plan incorporates over 3,800 kilometers of fresh cycling paths, the construction of more than 110 kilometers of grade-separated crossings for enhanced safety, and the establishment of seven primary amenity hubs to support bicycle and e-scooter users.

The revised QBMP introduces 17 new policies, 18 implementation schemes, and 348 supporting measures. It also features the Qatar Bike Infrastructure Planning and Design Guide (QBIG), which outlines standards for creating safe, sustainable, and efficient cycling and micromobility frameworks. A comprehensive GIS geodatabase will also be instituted to inventory existing infrastructure and forthcoming projects.

Eng. Abdullah Seif Al Sulaiti, Assistant Undersecretary for Land Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Transport, remarked that the QBMP signifies the ministry’s dedication to developing an integrated, secure, resilient, and sustainable transport network that facilitates access to pivotal destinations while advocating for eco-friendly travel alternatives.

He highlighted that the master plan complements the Ministry of Transport Strategy, Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy (2024-2030), and the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030. The initiative is expected to help lower carbon emissions, enhance public health and life quality, support sustainable economic growth, and boost transport network efficiency.

The Ministry is committed to partnering with stakeholders to implement the plan across short, medium, and long-term phases. This implementation strategy will entail clear project priorities and performance indicators to gauge progress and guarantee successful and sustainable outcomes.

Officials underscored the necessity of robust collaboration between government agencies, industry partners, academic institutions, and other stakeholders to accomplish the plan’s objectives and fortify Qatar’s role as a frontrunner in sustainable transportation and active mobility.