17 May 2010
BEIRUT: Real estate giant Solidere inaugurated, in partnership with Beirut by Bike, a bicycle lane in downtown Beirut in an effort to promote promoting environmentally-friendly transportation.
Starting at 10 am on Sunday, cyclists enjoyed a ride from the Tripoli Street of the Beirut Souks, through Patriarch Howayek Street, and down to Beirut’s new maritime front.
Stands selling refreshments and first aid equipment were present along the newly opened bicycle lane.
Beirut by Bike owner Jawad Sbeity said he was pleased by the number of people who showed up. “Our usual customers were here but more people came today after hearing about the opening of the new lane” he said.
Since its establishment in 2002, Sbeity’s company has offered customers of all ages a wide selection of bicycles and cycling kits to explore the city of Beirut.
Peter Abboud, 19, was riding a bicycle along with his younger brother. Abboud, who is not usually a big fan of bicycles, said he decided to show up with his family after hearing about the opening of the new lane. “It’s actually quite nice, you get to see a nice view of Beirut and I think I will come more often” he added.
Beirut by Bike’s Sbeity explained that the new lane would be accessible for bicycles only on Sunday from 10 am to 8 pm. Cyclists can rent bikes for LL5,000 an hour and LL20,000 for the whole day.
A statement by Solidere last week said the new bicycle lane was “a means of encouraging green transportation.”
People present at the opening of the new lane were encouraged to bring along their children, especially after finding out that the track was transformed into a car-free zone.
Talal Ounsi, who came with his son and nephew, was enthusiastic about the inauguration of the new lane.
“It is safe for children. I used to come here every Sunday with my older children but since the lane is now used by cyclists solely, I brought along my younger ones” Ounsi said, while praising Solidere for their initiative. He added that he also felt safer knowing that security was around.
In the afternoon, cyclists were still arriving to enjoy a safe ride and learn more about the eco-friendly project.
Copyright The Daily Star 2010.
