Election Cycle 2016 – Belfast North

“We support the development of a Greenway network and have been active supporters of the Foyle Greenway. We want to see Greenways planned and built alongside the upgraded A6 and A5 roads. People Before Profit works to ensure that there is no contradiction between the interests of cycling and rail – opposing any removal of rail lines which might be re-opened.”

We are supportive, and the other thing that we would argue is that planners in the UK are in that particular mindset of urban planning we really need to expose are key planners to the European thinking and expression. I am trying to convince the planning service in Belfast to agree a planner exchange with Oslo to see how they plan their city. We need to get our planners exposure to how European cities plan. The planning services have to write local development plan’s and now is the ideal time to talk to party’s about what needs to be in the plan – all of this is key.”

“The SDLP believes that there are many positives to be achieved from cycling – both from an economic and health perspective.

“We are very sympathetic to the needs of cyclists and the necessity to create a sustainable transport system for the whole of Northern Ireland. Cycle use cannot significantly develop without the right infrastructure and safety measures in place.

“I personally have enjoyed the cycle along the Comber Greenway and as a party, we are keen to explore further development of Greenways, as we believe this will help build sustainable tourism such as walking and cycling.

“My party colleague on the council, Cllr Tim Attwood, led the campaign to secure almost £700,000 from the Minister of Regional Development to introduce the now very successful Belfast public cycle hire scheme launched last year.

“The SDLP believes that Northern Ireland needs a long-term and dedicated strategy to improve cycling provision. A successful scheme will reduce the number of road accidents involving bicycles and will increase cycle use across the North. We believe that the growing cycling culture in Northern Ireland must be supported by department if it is to grow and flourish.”

“As an Alliance Councillor, I have advocated on behalf of many constituents regarding the issues affecting cyclists, including parked cars in cycling lanes, forcing police to monitor illegally parked cars where cyclists could be affected, particularly given cyclists should remain on the road.

“Additionally, I have lobbied the DRD Minister to raise awareness and questions around the lack of safe cycle lanes on North Belfast constituency and the safety of cyclists when exiting the Fortwilliam roundabout onto Shore Road. I have had numerous contacts with residents, road users and cyclists to bring more awareness to the safety of the individual cyclist- after all, we encourage active movement, so we need to ensure cyclists are protected when on the road.

“Alliance is fully committed to the delivery of a first class integrated, sustainable and active travel for the people of Northern Ireland and recognises the multiple health, social and economic benefits in particular of cycling. As a candidate with Alliance, we are committed to fully supporting a wide range of enhanced cycling provision in NI, including;

• Increased investment in cycling of at least £10 per head of population.
• The development and realisation of the health, rural regeneration and tourism potential of Greenways across the region and where possibly with connectivity to the rest of the island.
• An Active Travel Act to incorporate cycling and walking provision into land-use and new development.

“Obviously the development of any such network will require significant investment, we have not set a specific spending target. The promotion of cycling however also fits with our commitment to promote public health and to encourage active and healthy aging. Investment in activities such as cycling can help reduce the amount spent on tackling issues such as obesity.

“Within the manifesto there is not a specific commitment to legislation on the issue, but we would certainly be happy to examine proposals were they to come forward.”