How the Expo 2020 Dubai is Incorporating Active Mobility
Written by Ava Klein, Planning Assistant
Over the last year, Copenhagenize has been working as mobility consultants for the Expo 2020 in Dubai to study and address solutions for all forms of micro mobility throughout the event site. This year’s World Expo (that was originally slated to open in 2020) plans to host 25 million visitors over the next 6 months, with 192 countries having pavilions on site. Dubai also aims to experiment with different forms of mobility to become the first bicycle-friendly Expo. Working with the planning and organizing teams on site, Copenhagenize has recommended and introduced a series of bicycle transportation options for visitors and staff to create a more practical, safe and convenient environment.
Visitors using the bike sharing system.
Visitors from around the world have been enjoying the bike sharing system available throughout the site, with tens of thousands of trips already made on the bikes. The Expo 2020 Dubai bike tours, which bring visitors around the pavilions, are relying on these shared bikes which include 220 PBSC bikes, creating a fun and dynamic experience for many first-time bike share users. While bike sharing stations can be used for tours, they can also be a practical and convenient way for visitors to move around the grounds in a safe and efficient manner. Copenhagenize’s implementation strategy included strategically placing bike sharing docks in relevant sites, such as the entrance points and the thematic pavilions, as well as outlining a clear risk-mitigation strategy that reduces the chances of unsafe bicycle usage. Some bikes are even equipped with child seats, allowing families of different sizes to rely on the bike for travel between pavilions.
The fleet of cargo bikes at the Expo.
For staff, bicycles have been incorporated in the back-of-house as a way for staff to travel from the resident village to the Expo site as well as travel within the site. The cycling infrastructure connects the Expo Village to the staff access points which allows staff to bike to work.
The staff use cargo bikes to replenish food and beverage sites.
Expo 2020 Dubai is not only using bicycles and e-bikes, but also cargo bikes as a useful tool for the maintenance and smooth execution of the event. Copenhagenize advised on the procurement of a fleet of thirty cargo bikes (Black Iron Horse and Christiania Bikes) to efficiently, safely, and sustainably transport food and beverage to replenish kiosks, for promotional activities such as selling tickets, crowd management, and merchandise hand-outs, and for landscaping and maintenance activities. In addition, visiting journalists will be shuttled around the site via cargo bikes and bicycle rickshaws. These cargo bikes are an important cog in integrating the bike into the programming and logistics, making it easier for the staff to manage and maintain this huge event over a six month period. Our Copenhagen office director, James Thoem, says:
"It's a great demonstration of the practicality of cargo bikes and how small Danish manufacturers can compete on the world stage.”
The event began on October 1st 2021 and will continue until the end of March 2022. The Copenhagenize team continues to work with Expo 2020 Dubai on micro mobility safety and accessibility across the event site.