Road safety on foot, on a bike and on an e-scooter

When you walk, cycle or ride an e-scooter, you have no metal box around you. Knowing the rules and being seen are what keep you safe, in the UAE heat at noon or on a dark street abroad.

Why this matters

• The World Health Organization says road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for people aged 5 to 29 worldwide.
• More than half of road traffic deaths are pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, the people WHO calls vulnerable road users.
• Speed matters a lot: WHO says each 1% rise in average speed raises the risk of a fatal crash by about 4%.

Crossing roads safely

• Use a proper crossing where there is one. The UK Highway Code's Green Cross Code says: find a safe place, stop just before the kerb, look all around and listen, let traffic pass, then cross straight over without running.
• Keep looking and listening while you cross, and do not cross diagonally.
• Avoid crossing between parked cars, and never cross behind a reversing vehicle or in front of a large vehicle with its engine running.
• At light-controlled crossings, start only on the green figure, and always check that traffic has actually stopped.
• In the UAE, summaries of the federal traffic law in force since 29 March 2025 (Platinumlist, dubizzle) report that pedestrians must not cross roads with a speed limit of 80 km/h or more, with heavy penalties. Use bridges, underpasses and marked crossings.
• Put your phone away and take out at least one earphone when you are crossing. The Highway Code tells pedestrians to stay aware of their surroundings and avoid distractions.

Being seen

• In poor daylight wear something light, bright or fluorescent. At night, reflective materials help most.
• The Highway Code says drivers using headlights can see reflective materials up to three times as far away as non-reflective ones.
• If there is no crossing nearby at night, cross near a street light so drivers can see you.
• On a bike, a white front light and a red rear light are required at night under UK rules, plus a red rear reflector.

Cycling well

• Wear a helmet that fits correctly and is securely fastened. WHO says correct helmet use greatly reduces the risk of death and brain injury in crashes (its figures are for motorcycle helmets).
• Look all around before moving off, overtaking, turning or stopping, and signal clearly.
• Do not carry a passenger unless the bike is built for one, and avoid carrying anything that could affect your balance.
• Be very careful near lorries and buses: the Highway Code warns their drivers may not see you, and their rear wheels can come close to the kerb when turning. Never pass them on the inside when they may turn.

E-scooters in Dubai

• In Dubai you must be at least 16 to ride an e-scooter, under Executive Council Resolution No. 13 of 2022, as reported by Gulf News and Khaleej Times.
• You need a free RTA riding permit, which you get online through rta.ae after short lessons and a test.
• Gulf News reports that you must ride only on designated tracks and lanes in approved areas, keep to a maximum of 20 km/h, and never ride on roads with a speed limit above 60 km/h.
• Wear a helmet, suitable shoes and clothing (reflective at night); check lights, horn, brakes and tyres before riding; carry no passengers, avoid headphones in both ears, and get off at pedestrian crossings.
• Gulf News lists fines under the resolution, including AED 200 for riding without a permit and AED 300 for carrying a passenger.
• Rules in other emirates and other countries can be very different, so check the local rules before you ride anywhere new.