Abu Dhabi Removes 1,000 Abandoned Bikes

Abu Dhabi Cracks Down on Abandoned Bikes and E-Bikes: Nearly 1,000 Vehicles Removed

The appearance and organization of Abu Dhabi's public spaces have been a priority for the emirate's leadership for many years. As part of campaigns to maintain the capital's modern and orderly image, the City Municipality has launched a new cleanup initiative, removing abandoned bicycles, electric bikes, and improperly stored motorcycles from public areas.

Abandoned Vehicles in the Crosshairs

The campaign's goal is clear: to maintain public cleanliness, ensure free movement for pedestrians, and improve the area's overall aesthetics. During the campaign, authorities identified and removed 922 abandoned bicycles and 43 electric bikes that obstructed pedestrian traffic and damaged public property.

The operation was carried out in collaboration with Emirates Auctions and affected several key city districts, including Al Dana, Al Hosn, Al Mushrif, Zayed Port, Al Reem Island, Saadiyat Island, Al Maryah Island, and Al Hudayriat.

Further Violations Addressed

Authorities did not just focus on abandoned vehicles: several motorcycle owners received warnings or fines because their vehicles did not meet public cleanliness standards. Such violations reduce quality of life and threaten community well-being, prompting the emirate to take firm action against them.

Three-Step Fining System

This isn't the first time Abu Dhabi has taken action against abandoned vehicles. In March of this year, new regulations were introduced detailing fines for vehicles left on public property. The first offense incurs a fine of 500 dirhams, while repeated offenses carry fines of 1,000 and 2,000 dirhams. The aim is to prevent long-term storage of cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and other vehicles in public spaces, reducing both visual and physical pollution.

Dubai Also Taking Action

While Abu Dhabi focuses on the cleanliness and orderliness of public spaces, Dubai is also acting against the improper use of electric scooters and bicycles. According to a report released last September, the Dubai Police seized nearly 3,800 vehicles in the Naif district that were improperly used on roads or pedestrian zones. Such use is not only irregular but also dangerous: in the first half of 2024, four fatalities and 25 injuries occurred in accidents involving e-scooters or bicycles.

Common Goal: Safe, Organized Urban Living

The examples of Abu Dhabi and Dubai show that the leadership of the United Arab Emirates aims not only for development and modernization but also places great emphasis on maintaining quality of life, public safety, and the aesthetics of public spaces. Abandoned or improperly used vehicles not only cause visual problems but are often sources of traffic accidents and urban chaos.

In the future, these inspections and campaigns are expected to intensify so that residents and visitors alike can enjoy a clean, safe, and orderly urban environment.

(Source: Official statement from Abu Dhabi City Municipality.)