Quick Start — Cycling in Riyadh

For most of the twentieth century, Riyadh was a city built around the car. Wide roads, large parking areas, and a hot summer climate meant that cycling was rare, and dedicated cycling paths were almost unknown. In recent years, however, this has begun to change. New residential districts now include cycling lanes as a standard feature, and city planners have introduced public bike-share stations near metro stops, parks, and major shopping streets. The shift has several causes. Saudi Vision 2030 places a strong emphasis on quality of life, including air quality and active lifestyles. The city's expanding metro network has reduced the need for short car trips, making cycling a practical alternative for the final mile of a journey. Cooler evenings and longer winter daylight hours allow many residents to cycle comfortably for at least half the year. Several challenges remain. Cycling in central districts during peak hours can still be unsafe, and many older neighbourhoods have no separated lanes. Yet the new infrastructure, combined with growing public interest in fitness, suggests that the bicycle is steadily earning a place on Riyadh's streets.