Dhaka Opens Safe Cycling Routes Through Parks for Families

Dhaka families have started using marked cycling loops inside Ramna Park and the perimeter track at Dhanmondi Lake on Saturday mornings after the city corporation widened the inner paths last year.

The change matters because rising fuel costs and air-quality alerts have pushed more households to look for nearby exercise that does not require driving across town. City records show weekly park visits rose from 12,000 in early 2025 to 18,500 by March 2026, with families making up the largest share of new users.

Routes that stay inside park boundaries

The 1.8-kilometre paved loop inside Ramna Park begins at the Shahbagh gate and stays clear of motor traffic except at two controlled crossings. Beginners can complete the circuit in under 20 minutes at a steady pace. At Dhanmondi Lake the 2.4-kilometre lakeside track runs from Road 2 to Road 8 and back, with benches every 300 metres and water points operated by the Dhaka North City Corporation. Both sites open at 6 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.; entry remains free.

Local groups such as the Dhaka University Adventure Club run free Saturday clinics at Ramna Park for riders under 12, supplying helmets and basic route maps. Parents report that the clinics finish by 9 a.m., leaving time for a short family ride afterward.

Costs and practical steps

A basic city bicycle rents for 80 taka an hour from stalls near the Ramna Park south gate or the Dhanmondi Lake Road 5 entrance. Riders must present a national ID or student card. A 2025 survey by the Bangladesh Cycling Federation counted 4,200 family groups using these two sites on peak weekends, up from 2,700 the previous year.

Before heading out, check the Dhaka North City Corporation website for any temporary path closures due to maintenance. Carry water, use the provided repair stands at both parks, and ride only on the painted green lanes. Families new to the routes can start with one loop and add distance on return visits.