Doha, Qatar: Qatar is seeking to significantly increase the use of bicycles and other micro-mobility modes as part of its efforts to promote sustainable transportation, reduce traffic congestion, and encourage healthier lifestyles, according to a senior official from the Ministry of Transport.
Speaking about Qatar Bicycle Master Plan, Saleh Saeed Al Marri, Director of the Land Transport Planning Department at the Ministry of Transport, revealed that while 19 percent of respondents in a recent survey owned bicycles, their actual contribution to the transportation system stood at only 1 percent, highlighting substantial room for improvement in cycling and micro-mobility usage across the country.
Speaking to Qatar TV recently, Al Marri said the plan was launched recently in conjunction with World Bicycle Day on June 3 and is designed to capitalize on the extensive cycling infrastructure that has already been developed in Qatar.
He noted that the initiative comes at a time when the country has invested heavily in dedicated cycling paths and is witnessing rapid growth in micro-mobility options such as bicycles and electric scooters.
“The importance of this plan stems from the need to integrate bicycles and other micro-mobility modes, including scooters, into the broader transportation network,” Al Marri said. “We are also responding to the continuous technological developments taking place in these transport modes.”
He explained that the study underpinning the plan examined the infrastructure already implemented and explored ways to maximize its utilization through better integration with public transportation services.
According to Al Marri, the bicycle strategy is built on several key pillars aimed at enhancing mobility and sustainability. One of its primary objectives is to improve access to public transport by providing convenient first- and last-mile connectivity options. The plan is also expected to enhance road safety, reduce traffic accidents, and deliver significant public health benefits by encouraging more active modes of travel.
“The project carries multiple benefits,” he said. “It supports public transport, improves accessibility, raises traffic safety standards, reduces accident rates, and contributes positively to public health.”
Al Marri added that the development of the plan was driven by several factors, including Qatar’s growing population, ongoing urban expansion, and the rapid evolution of transport technologies. These trends, he said, have increased the need for alternative transportation solutions that can complement existing networks while improving overall mobility.
He also highlighted the positive impact that greater bicycle and micro-mobility adoption could have on the transportation system, particularly in easing congestion and reducing reliance on private vehicles for short-distance trips.
“The population growth, urban development, and technological advances we are witnessing all require us to rethink mobility options,” Al Marri said. “Bicycles and other micro-mobility modes can play an important role in improving the transport ecosystem and reducing congestion.”
The Comprehensive Bicycle Plan aligns with Qatar’s broader sustainable transport objectives and reflects the country’s commitment to creating a more integrated, efficient, and environmentally friendly mobility network.
By encouraging greater use of bicycles and other micro-mobility solutions, the Ministry of Transport aims to make active transportation a practical and attractive option for residents while supporting national goals for sustainability and quality of life.
