Mallon to deliver cycle route in North Belfast

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced the development of a cycle route in North Belfast.

The proposed route, which will be taken forward as an experimental scheme, will be located along the Cavehill Road and Limestone Road.

As part of the Minister’s drive to increase levels of walking, wheeling and cycling across Northern Ireland the scheme will provide a safe space for cycling, separated from pedestrian and motor traffic.

Making the announcement Minister Mallon said: 

“Since becoming Minister I have been committed to creating more opportunities for active travel and to make our roads safer for those who wish to walk, wheel and cycle.

"During the Covid pandemic it has been clear that there is a growing number of people taking up cycling in addition to those who continue to rely on their bicycle as their preferred mode of travel.  Despite this trend cycling infrastructure in North Belfast has remained underdeveloped. 

"This is something I am determined to change  and I am therefore delighted to announce, as a first step, the development of this cycle route along the Cavehill and Limestone Roads, which when completed, will provide a safer route for local cyclists and which I hope will help encourage more of us to get on our bikes. 

"In the coming months my officials will liaise with the local community to help turn this concept into a reality.”

The route will be put in place on a trial basis, initially for a period of six months, after which it will be evaluated.  Communities and stakeholders will have an opportunity to contribute to this evaluation.  Following this, a decision will be taken on the future of the scheme.

Notes to editors: 

1. The Department commissioned Sustrans to undertake an active travel study specifically focussing on North and West Belfast which was finalised in early 2020.  The key elements of this work are being incorporated in the Belfast Bicycle Network report which will be published in the Spring.
2. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
3. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
4. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra and on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure.

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