As the UCI Road World Championships Doha 2016 takes place, there has been increased awareness and concern for the safety of both the cyclists and pedestrians, alike. As the week has progressed, an increased number of professional cyclists have been seen training around the West Bay and other nearby areas.
A closed-door session was held yesterday, involving senior officials of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), Local Organising Committee (LOC), UDC, Security Committee, ASO, and UCI.
QOC secretary general Dr Thani al-Kuwari was quoted as saying “cyclists must obey the rules of the road”.
He went on to say “motorists in Qatar must take due care to ensure the safety of cyclists and pedestrians”.
The UCI was specifically asked to brief all cycling teams about the culture of Qatar and the rules of Qatar’s roads. LOC president Sheikh Khalid bin Ali al-Thani mentioned “the Organising Committee and UCI have worked hand-in-hand to make this a magnificent event”.
LOC vice-chairman Dr Mohamed al-Kuwari urged drivers on Qatar’s roads to be extra careful when nearing a cyclist. This is particularly important due to cooling temperatures, with many more residents stepping out.
Among those who attended, Ibrahim Jassim al-Othman, President and CEO of UDC, said, “Feedback in The Pearl, frankly, is better than what we anticipated. Thus far we have had no major stoppages, and it is business as usual at The Pearl-Qatar.”
Full medical and emergency services are running on the island during the Championships.