Kurdistan
Jassim Khidir, together with Rudaw's Farhad Dolamari, riding in the streets of Erbil on bicycles on May 8, 2026. Photo: Rudaw/screenshot
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - For nearly his entire life, Jassim Khidir has ridden the streets of Erbil on his bicycle. Now 57, the man who spent decades behind the handlebars says the city no longer feels safe for cyclists like him.
The roads he once moved through freely have become crowded with speeding cars, while the absence of dedicated cycling lanes has turned every ride into a struggle.
Years spent under the sun have left their mark on him, his hair graying while seated on the saddle of the bicycle he has cherished since youth. But today, even that lifelong companion can no longer shield him from the dangers of the capital’s streets.
“My biggest problem is the lack of cycling lanes,” Khidir, a veteran cyclist in Erbil, told Rudaw. “Drivers, especially taxi drivers, often ignore us, cut us off, and show no consideration for cyclists.”
The concerns raised by cyclists were brought into the spotlight during Dr. Aras Bradosti’s recent program, which explored both the health benefits of cycling and the daily risks faced by riders in Erbil. The discussion quickly resonated beyond television screens, drawing the attention of provincial officials.
On Thursday, Erbil provincial authorities met with Rudaw’s health desk to discuss the issue.
Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw said officials have already been working on plans to improve cycling infrastructure in the city.
“We have been working on a plan to build cycling paths in Erbil for the past three years,” Khoshnaw said.
Under the proposed plan, cycling paths would first be introduced in parks before expanding to major roads across the capital, including the 30, 60, and 100-meter streets. Officials hope the project will eventually allow cyclists like Khidir to move through the city without fearing traffic at every turn.
Support for the initiative has continued to grow beyond Erbil.
On Friday, a group of cyclists traveled from Kirkuk to Erbil in solidarity with Rudaw’s campaign. After an eight-hour journey, they arrived at Rudaw headquarters, where they were welcomed by the health desk team.
“We came to support Rudaw’s efforts and Dr. Aras’ program,” said cyclist Aram Osman. “When we watched the program, we felt we had to come and stand behind this message.”
Osman said the initiative is about more than bicycles alone.
“This is about the environment, public health, and encouraging people to rely less on cars and more on sustainable transportation,” he added.
Despite large numbers of cyclists in Erbil, the Kurdistan Region capital is devoid of any cycling infrastructure.
Farhad Dolamari contributed to this article.
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