Qatar Cyclists Centre, organiser of the 2017 Ride of Champions, urges motorists taking the Dukhan Road to drive with caution this Friday (24 November) from 6:30 am — 11:30 am.

With over 1,000 cyclists participating in the 2017 Ride of Champions, the roads in Doha from Qatar Foundation via Dukhan highway, to Shahaniya, Otouriyah and Jumailiyah will see numerous cyclists.

The Ride of Champions is Qatar’s largest mass participation event, and the official flagship community event of Qatar Cyclist and Qatar Cycling Federation. The aim is to include the entire cycling community of the country, by offering various route distances for all ages, from novices to experienced cyclists.MAP_ROUTES_MEDIA_Ride of Champions Weekend Event Doha qatar

This festival of cycling ‘For Families, Beginners and Little Cyclists’ is aimed at riders who want to participate as a family, including those new to the sport of cycling. This route will offer a 5.8 km loop, safe and secure, in the beautiful environment around Qatar Foundation and the Al Shaqab Arabian horse breeding area. Cyclists can stay on the track until 11 am.

Motorists are asked to take due care around the cyclists and help enable this fantastic festival of sport to happen safely.

Signs will be up at intersections to warn motorists when they are coming to an intersection with the route, and traffic police vehicles will be there to guide.

Event organiser’s have issued the following tips to motorist and cyclists;

Tips for Motorists When Driving Around Cyclists

  • Drive slow and leave enough space when overtaking cyclists
  • Be careful of marshals and police officers on route
  • Allow the cyclist to pass in front of your vehicle before turning onto the road
  • If passing a cyclist, allow more than a 1.5 metre gap between you and the cyclist
  • Don’t take any unnecessary risks

Tips for Cyclists When Riding Around Motorists

  • Waive thank you to courteous drivers
  • Don’t accelerate to prevent cars turning or changing lanes
  • Be mindful of traffic and don’t take unnecessary risks
  • Ride two by two in columns
  • Stay in the inside lane to allow vehicles to pass