Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Careem, the region’s multi-service app, recently celebrated the milestone of 7.35 million bike trips completed in Dubai since the service’s inception in 2020. Careem Bike has rapidly grown to become the largest pedal-assist bike-sharing network in the region. With 197 stations spread across Dubai’s cycling tracks, the service offers around 1,800 bikes for rent. In 2023 alone, over 2.3 million trips were made, marking a 66.3% increase compared to 2022. This surge in usage highlights the strong demand for bike services in Dubai, especially for first- and last-mile journeys, which accounted for 76% of all trips. Users have collectively cycled a total distance of 28.4 million km since the launch, with the longest individual trip covering 48km from Quranic Park in Al Khawaneej to the Marina Promenade. Residents made up 68% of the total trips, while tourists contributed 32%.

Cycling is recognized as a sustainable mode of soft mobility, significantly reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Since its launch, Careem Bike has saved over 4.32 million kgs of CO2, equivalent to the emissions of 1,208 cars. Hussain Al Banna, CEO of RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency, emphasized that this milestone aligns with the government’s commitment to promoting sustainable transportation and creating a bicycle-friendly environment in Dubai.

Bassel Al Nahlaoui, Managing Director of Mobility at Careem, expressed his excitement about reaching this milestone, noting that more people are choosing to cycle in Dubai. He highlighted the successful partnership with the RTA, which has enabled Careem Bike to expand across key areas such as business districts, residential communities, and retail destinations. In just four years, Careem Bike has become the leading bike-sharing initiative in the region, a success attributed to the strong support from the RTA.

Launched in 2020 with the aim of supporting Dubai’s sustainability goals and encouraging an active lifestyle, Careem Bike has since expanded to Abu Dhabi and Madinah, Saudi Arabia, with plans for further regional growth.

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