Launched in December 2014, the ADCB Bikeshare initiative is supported by the Khalifa Fund, with sponsorship and naming rights acquired by ADCB.
Their goal is to integrate bike sharing into the urban landscape as an alternative mode of transport and to promote healthy living.
If you want to discover Abu Dhabi and its culture and landscape, then ADCB is an affordable and re-freshening alternative to taxis, especially if you are visiting as a tourist. It certainly makes commuting around the city an easy experience.
As a first-time user of the bikeshare, it was convenient to use and an excellent way to make the most of a day off in the UAE to show my visiting friend around the capital.
Statistically, in 2015, over 12,000 trips across 112,500 kms were made using the initiative. And, amazingly, over 2.7 millions calories were burned! A gym on wheels!
Sport360’s Stuart Appleby and Jon Holmes go for a spin in the UAE capital.
And after I was shown how to use the facility, it took only a matter of minutes to hire out bikes for two people – here is my step-by-step guide:
- Walk up to any terminal.
- Use a credit or debit card to subscribe for a one-day or three day pass.
- Bike keys are optional and can be purchased at the kiosk for convenience of docking out the bike easily without having to use your credit/debit card.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and press the green button on the dock to unlock the bike.
- Standard overtime fees apply to trips that last longer than 60 minutes.
- Multiple trips for an hour is encouraged during the 24-hour period simply by going to the station to dock the bike, before waiting for at least five minutes to allow it to reset, after which any bike can be used again for up to 60 mins and so on.
- On returning, dock the bike and wait for the green light to confirm that the bike is properly locked.
THE FUTURE
ADCB Bikeshare are also planning to expand their network to the Abu Dhabi Corniche, in addition to Al Reem Island, Maryah Island, Saadiyat Island and new locations in Raha Beach and Yas Island.
To find out more about the scheme as well as monthly and annual memberships, visit www.bikeshare.ae.