135 Kilometers of Innovation: Discover the Sports Boulevard - SPF- and Its Roal in Supporting Amateur and Pro Cyclists

The Sports Boulevard is one of the massive initiatives launched by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as part of Vision 2030. The project aims to boost a healthy and active lifestyle for individuals in the community. It has received several awards, such as the Construction Innovation Awards 2024 in KSA for the “Mega Project of the Year” category, and the “King Salman Charter for Architecture and Urbanism” award in its first edition, organized by the Architecture and Design Commission to celebrate urban environmental projects.

The Sports Boulevard has received best-in-class recognition from active travel accreditation ActiveScore, one Platinum Communities Certification for the Sports Boulevard Masterplan, and one Platinum Certification for the Global Sports Tower. Alongside being awarded the “Best Workplace Environment” for 2024 by the Great Place to Work Institute, Sports Boulevard has also launched a virtual reality project for practicing sports like walking, cycling, and running. This project has achieved numerous milestones in just a few years. In this article, we will explore everything related to the Sports Boulevard project in detail.

1- Sports Boulevard Project

The Sports Boulevard is one of the major sports avenue in Riyadh launched by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, in March 2019. Located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and it spans 135 km, making it the longest sports boulevard in the world. The vision of the project is to create an innovative and sustainable urban renaissance, serving as an environmental artery that connects Riyadh from east to west. The goal is to encourage individuals to engage in daily physical activities such as walking, cycling, and running, improve their quality of life, enhance their overall health, and make the community more active and vibrant.

The Project features a modern design, including dedicated pathways for pedestrians and cyclists, green areas with lawns and gardens to enhance the natural environment, and sports facilities that allow individuals to engage in their physical activities with smart, innovative lighting and technologies that provide a safe and comfortable experience. The project includes more than 4.4 million square meters of green and open spaces, covering a wide area of more than 3.5 square kilometers.

The difference between the Sports Boulevard and public roads is that the boulevard provides separate paths and bridges for cyclists, distinct from pedestrian walkways and public roads for cars, offering a safer environment for cyclists during their rides and comfort during training or races. It also allows all family members to participate without fear. Additionally, the Sports Boulevard offers free bike maintenance by providing the necessary equipment to ensure the safety of the wheels and other components for safe riding.

2- Discover The Destinations

The first phase of the project was launched in February 2025 and includes 5 destinations from the designed route map, Wadi Hanifah, Promenade, the section located at the intersection of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Road and Prince Turki bin Abdulaziz Al Awwal Road, the internal pathway of Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, and the first phase of the Sands Sports Park. With this, the total length of the project completed so far is 83 kilometers, representing 40% of the overall project completion, with ongoing efforts to finish it. The destinations include:

1- Wadi Hanifah:

It covers a distance of 20 km from Al-Olab Dam (north) to Jeddah road (south). It offers a unique experience that allows visitors to explore a variety of projects and distinctive sites across the city, in addition to enjoying the natural landscapes of the Wadi. The Wadi also features pathways for pedestrians, bicycles, and horses, along with several rest areas, wooded areas, and bicycle parking spots. The valley passes through several projects, including the Diriyah Gate Project and the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Non-Profit City.

2- Promenade

The Promenade extends over 5 km, from extends over 5 km, from Diriyah (west) to Suwaid bin Harthah Street (east). It provides dedicated pathways for cycling, walking, and running. The Promenade also features various stations, green spaces, seating areas, playgrounds for children, and retail spaces. It also offers opportunities for investment and development in the private sector.

It is distinguished by the Cycling Bridge, an architectural marvel stretching over 900 meters and connecting the Promenade and Wadi Hanifah, providing safe passage for both pedestrians and cyclists. Adding to its allure is a picturesque pedestrian bridge that offers sweeping views of the enchanting surroundings. It is adorned with unique art installations, enriching the cultural landscape of the area.

3- Sands Sports Park

It covers an area of over 17 million square meters in the southeast region of King Khalid International Airport. The Najdi Flower blooms in the heart of the park, symbolizing the originality of Najdi architecture. The area features a cycling route for professionals and beginners, along with cross-country biking trails and BMX that reflect the nature it holds within. In addition to equestrian trails, pedestrian pathways, hiking trails, jogging pathways, and some service stations and rest areas.

4- Urban Wadi

It covers a distance of 4.5 km, from Suwaid bin Harthah Street (west) to Ar Rub Al-Khali Street (east). The area will be home to a low-flow water canal surrounded by lush greenery. The canal water is constantly recirculated, used in fountains, and for the natural cooling of the destination. It includes pathways for pedestrians and cyclists, bridges, a large shading structure of 10,000 sqm with shops and restaurants, shaded play areas for kids, a kayaking zone, multiple sports courts, and picnic areas.

5- Wadi Al SULAI

It covers a distance of 43 km, from King Fahad Stadium (south) to King Salman Park in Banban (north), including several tracks, pathways, and service stations. Wadi Alsulai Destination has many landmarks in its vicinity – King Salman Park in Banban and Durrat Al-Riyadh, including 75 km of pathways for cyclists, and 35 km for horse riders. It also has 9 rest areas including for visitors and cyclists.

6- Entertainment Destination

It covers a distance of 3 km, from Ar Rub Al-Khali Street (west) to Abi Bakr As Siddiq Road (east). The Entertainment Destination features a bridge for professional riders and a pathway for amateur cyclists. It includes an Amphitheatre and a complex for performances. The Destination also features several hillside playgrounds, parks, and open spaces equipped.

7- Athletics Destination

It covers a distance of 4 km, from Abi Bakr As Siddiq Road (west) to Airport Road (east). The Athletics Destination includes various sports facilities, along with the Global Sports Tower, surrounded by stadiums and training halls. It includes pedestrian and cycling pathways, and a professional pathway for cyclists, as well as cycling stations, in addition to resting areas and spaces for rent, along with spaces for investment.

8- ECO Destination

It covers a distance of 15 km, from Airport Road (west) to Al Janadriyah Road (east). The Eco District features areas for cultivation, including several fields and greenhouses for seed development, agricultural products, and organic food production. It also includes open picnic spots, a culinary arts center, and pathways for professional and amateur cyclists, as well as 4

service stations, along with investment spaces.

3- Sports Boulevard and Sustainable Development

The United Nations has set a series of guidelines and goals aimed at uniting global parties on the most urgent issues facing humanity. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) cover three dimensions of sustainability: economy, social development, and environment. The Sports Boulevard Foundation recognizes the importance of these goals and is committed to applying them across all aspects of its organization. The Foundation has made efforts to achieve some of the Sustainable Development Goals, including:

UNSDG	SPF Alignment
Good Health & Well Being	Through SBF’s growing health and safety practice, they commit to bringing all workers home safe across departments, contractors, consultants, and any other parties impacted by delivery. Further, employees are supported in their wellness needs through a robust healthcare plan along with a stipend to support wellness, among other benefits.
Quality Education	SBF is committed to a robust human capital development program that delivers learning initiatives, external training opportunities, annual review cycles, and more to support its members in growth and development.
Gender Equality	SBF is committed to leading the region in gender equality. They deliver this through ensuring equity during the hiring process, measuring wage gaps at all levels, and delivering a strong diversity and inclusion program.
Affordable & Clean Energy	As a core initiative of SBF’s carbon emissions material topic, the organization aims to prioritize renewable energy as much as feasible for the region and plans to work with providers to expand renewable feasibility and adoption in Riyadh.
Industry, Innovation, and industrialization	SBF is delivering a project that is founded on the premise of inclusive and sustainable industrialization. The project will bring with it innovative urban planning spanning from autonomous vehicles to district cooling, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles.
Reduce inequalities	The Sports Boulevard project is a case study of combating inequalities by bringing forth a cost-effective, accessible, and interconnected means of travel whilst revitalizing the urban core of Riyadh.
Sustainable Cities & Communities	The Sports Boulevard project contributes to making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable by providing extensive green spaces, recreational facilities, cultural centers, and travel arteries that promote social inclusion and environmental sustainability. Additionally, its design incorporates resilient infrastructure to enhance safety and sustainability, ensuring long-term benefits for urban development
Responsible Consumption and Production	SBF is actively working towards procuring the most cost-effective green materials to support the development and construction process. Focussing on research and development, they are strategically working towards sustainable consumption and production
Climate Action	In 2023, SBF launched several carbon and energy-related initiatives along with a robust decarbonization roadmap that all drive towards reducing carbon emissions and combatting climate change.
Life On Land	SBF incorporates environmentally conscious designs and green spaces that contribute to the restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. By integrating natural landscapes and promoting urban greenery, the project helps in combating desertification, enhancing land resilience, and supporting biodiversity within the city
Peace, justice, and strong institutions	SBF aims to foster community engagement and enhance social inclusion by providing extensive recreational and sporting facilities accessible to all segments of society. This initiative supports sustainable development by promoting healthier lifestyles and peaceful community interactions, contributing to overall societal well-being.
Partnership for Goals	SBF’s partnership with local service providers, such as the waste utility player and Green Riyadh, enhances infrastructure and green spaces, fostering a more sustainable and vibrant Riyadh.

4- Wheels’s Contribution to Sports Boulevard Project

In support of Saudi Arabia’s role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and enhancing the strong role of cyclists, whether beginners or professionals, Wheels has been committed to providing full support. This has been done through the opening of bike rental branches in the Promenade and Sands Sports Park areas. The branches offer a wide variety of bikes, including road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes, and fitness bikes, catering to everyone from professionals and beginners to children.

Wheels also provides boulevard bikes accessory rentals, such as helmets, to ensure you enjoy your ride at all times without feeling unsafe. Rental prices range from 55 SAR to 160 SAR, depending on the rental duration, which can be one, two, three, or four hours. You can easily make a reservation through Wheels’s website by selecting the bike type you want and the rental duration, then enjoy a perfect experience.

5- Sports Boulevard Instructions for Cyclists

The project has set instructions for cyclists, especially mountain bikers, to ensure their safety and enjoy a perfect ride. These instructions are as follows:

1- Sports Boulevard Entry Guidelines For Cyclists:

When riding a bicycle wear a helmet and use lights at night.
Management is not responsible for bicycle damage, theft, or accidents.
Bicycles must be used on the designated track.
The leisure path is designated for families to ensure safety.

2- Cross-Country Cycle Path Guidelines:

Know Your Skill Level: Please choose trails that match your skill level; avoid more advanced trails if you are unsure.
Wear a Helmet For your safety: always wear a helmet and consider using additional personal protective equipment.
Check Your Bike: Please ensure your bike’s brakes, tires, and gears are in good working condition before riding.
Stay on the Trail: Please stay on designated trails to help protect the vegetation and wildlife.
Follow Trail Etiquette: Please give way to uphill riders and slower users. Always announce your presence when overtaking.
Ride at a Safe Speed: Please adjust your speed based on trail difficulty, visibility, and the presence of other users.
Approach Obstacles with Caution: Please scout obstacles along trails before attempting them. Walk your bike over anything you are unsure of.
Keep the Place Clean: Please remove and dispose of your waste in the designated bins.

6- Numbers and Statistics of the Sports Boulevard Project

Category	Numbers & Statistics
Green and Open Spaces	Over 4.4 million square meters
Cycling Paths	220 km
Horseback Riding Paths	135 km
Sports Facilities	Over 50 different sports
Trees Planted on Site	Over 170,000 trees

Summary

The project reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to achieving major transformations in lifestyle and infrastructure, making it a global destination for sports and recreation. This is done in collaboration with government, private, local, and international entities to support the social and economic goals of Vision 2030. The project also provides opportunities for social engagement through community events and activities, boosting domestic tourism and attracting visitors interested in sports activities. It is an important step toward achieving growth and prosperity in the region.