In 2015 the Department outlined the kind of cycling community we would like to see over the next 25 years, with the publication of ‘Northern Ireland Changing Gear – a Bicycle Strategy for Northern Ireland’. With the vision of ‘a community where people have the freedom and confidence to travel by bicycle for everyday journeys’. As part of the Bicycle Strategy the Active Travel Team is developing bicycle networks for urban areas, starting with Belfast.
The Department also published ‘Exercise – Explore – Enjoy: A Strategic Plan for Greenways’ in 2016, which sets out plans for a network of greenways, connecting towns and cities to the villages and countryside from east to west and north to south across all eleven councils. It aims to bring back into use much of the disused railway network and give people ready access to a safe traffic-free environment for health, active travel and leisure.
Developing this greenway network and urban bicycle networks will contribute to several draft Programme for Government outcomes through delivering active travel infrastructure, reducing congestion, improving air quality and providing a safe and accessible recreational resource for more healthy active lifestyles.
The Unit is currently drafting an Urban Walking Policy to encourage more people to walk more, especially for those shorter journeys, which make up around one third of all our trips.
Cycling Infrastructure in Belfast
A web-link is provided below which provides further information on cycling infrastructure in Belfast:
[1] DfI will not be responsible if the information contained within the DfI Cycling Infrastructure map is misinterpreted or misused and therefore users must satisfy themselves that the information provided is suitable for their intended purpose. In no event shall DfI, under any cause of actions of any kind arising out of or related to the use of the DfI Cycling Infrastructure map be liable for any loss of profits or direct, indirect, incidental, consequential or other loss suffered by the user.
This is the first time this data has been published and is subject to change. For any general queries relating to the DfI Cycling Infrastructure map or walking or cycling issues, please contact:
- Email: activetravel@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk or
- Telephone: 028 9054 0896
3rd Floor, James House
2 - 4 Cromac Avenue
Belfast
BT7 2IA
Belfast Cycling Network
The Belfast Cycling Network Delivery Plan (BCN) was published in March 2022. The Department aims to deliver a cycling network that is as inclusive as possible so that the maximum number of people feel confident to use that network safely, freely and comfortably.
Greenways
Greenways are traffic-free routes that connect people and places, and are used by all kinds of people; walking, cycling, hiking and jogging.
‘Exercise – Explore – Enjoy’ (published on 9 November 2016) sets out the vision for a region where people have ready access to a safe traffic-free environment for health, active travel and leisure. It highlights the key role that local government has in the delivery of the greenway network in light of their responsibilities for recreation and green spaces. It also has the potential to significantly improve the uptake of walking and cycling, increasing levels of physical activity in line with the draft Programme for Government Outcomes for healthy active lives and connecting people and opportunities through our infrastructure.
Greenway development will bring potential benefits in the areas of active travel, physical and mental health and wellbeing (including leisure and recreation), the promotion of more active lifestyles, social inclusion, tourism and the strengthening of the local economy.
The Walking and Cycling Index
The Walking and Cycling Index (formerly Bike Life) is the biggest assessment of walking, wheeling and cycling in urban areas in the UK and Ireland.
It is delivered by Sustrans in collaboration with 23 cities and urban areas. Each city reports on the progress made towards making walking, wheeling and cycling more attractive, everyday ways to travel.
The Walking and Cycling Index reports every two years. This is the fifth report from Belfast. Reports can be found at The Walking and Cycling Index - Sustrans.org.uk and Belfast Walking and Cycling Index - Sustrans.org.uk