Muscat's children need space to cycle

With the cooler season set to begin in a week or two, bikers in Oman have begun their preparations to hit the roads to burn extra calories. They are now busy frequenting sports shops to check the availability of latest models of bicycles and other accessories as they set their sights on achieving perfect physical fitness, strength and stamina.

The fact is, a large number of cycling enthusiasts are young children who cannot get onto roads, like their older counterparts, and so are at a loss as to where to head to, since parks in the capital prohibit bringing bicycles inside. The result, the children have to head to empty parking lots in certain commercial areas to ride their bikes at dusk.

Nevertheless, anticipating the new season, dealers have replenished their stocks and brought in a fresh range of mountain bikes, BMX, race bikes, and children's bikes. 

"Sales go up when the winter sets in as people go out for biking. Plenty of people visit our shop to check the new arrivals," says Ibrahim, salesperson at Saif Al Rashidi Bicycle Centre in Ruwi.

The favourable weather conditions, however, doesn't enthuse novice cyclists who mull ways to find perfect place to practice. The absence of dedicated cycling lanes is a big cause of concern for them. When the wannabe bikers mourn lack of avenues, young cyclists too find themselves in a dire situation, thanks to the municipality's decision not to allow cycling inside the parks in the capital area.

"Children do not have adequate space to play. Parks are the best available spots to sweat it out during the evenings and weekends. But the municipality's decision has robbed them of an opportunity to enjoy biking in a safe locality," opined Randall Bernard, who is the co-ordinator of Muscat Cycling, an active group of road cyclists in Muscat.

People like George, who recently bought a bike, said he didn't have any other option but to hit the road. "I bike on the road early in the morning before the city wakes up," he said. There are many others in Muscat who bring out their bikes early in the morning or late at night when there is less traffic on the roads.

In a country that hosts a world famous cycling event, The Tour of Oman, it will be sad to see that cycling enthusiasts are craving for space to pedal their way to achieve health and fitness. Though children who watched world-class cyclists like Mark Cavendish and Chrish Froome, to name a few, try to emulate their heroes, they have to do it in the narrow lanes near their houses or car parking lots.

"They are risking their lives. Youngster will benefit if the municipality opens the gates of the garden to cyclists," commented George.

Expeditions

Muscat Cycling, a group of road cyclists in the capital region, has been trying to popularise the sport among people who never got an opportunity to take part in long distance expeditions. "We organised two hugely successful family events. Many women got a taste of long distance biking during the event. We expect plenty of people for this year too," said Randall.

According to Randall, Muscat should have a cycling track, which allows bikers to enjoy a hassle-free ride. "The authorities should set up a cycling track, like the one in Dubai. Cycling is the best sport that should be promoted widely. I am sure that a lot of people will take to the sport if we set up a track," he said.

Many cycling enthusiasts take their bikes to Al Amerat Village, as the place offers good challenge for on-road and off-road bikers. "For those who cannot fulfill their cycling ambitions, Amerat offers a good location where one can practice the sport," he added.