Lagan Valley Election Cycle 2017
When you go to vote on Thursday 2nd March 2017 in Lagan Valley cycling might not be your top priority, but where candidates stand might have a bearing on where you place your preferences. We contacted all of the candidates standing for election to the Northern Ireland Assembly – below you can see if they responded and what they think of our ask:
Will you commit to invest at least £10 per head of population on cycling measures and pledge to support and build upon the urban and rural cycling strategies launched since August 2015?
Robbie Butler (UUP)
“Well done on your efforts to improve the infrastructure and strategies for both urban and rural cycling.
“Please be assured of my support on all fronts with regard to the 3 main asks, with the caveat that the actual level of funding must be in line with availability of finance.
“I see on a daily basis the personal and environmental benefits for cyclists and also the dangers that many are exposed to. Keep up the good work.”
Pat Catney (SDLP)
“Yes to all three questions! You have a good advocate in Claire Hanna in the SDLP!”
Peter Doran (Sinn Féin)
“I can confirm that Sinn Féin supports your 3 key asks as detailed below:
- Investment: Sinn Féin supports funding for cycling of at least £10 per head of population, so as to encourage safer cycling conditions and see more people start cycling
- Greenways: Sinn Féin supports the Greenways Strategy and the development of traffic-free greenways across the country to boost rural regeneration and tourism.
- Legislation: Sinn Féin supports the introduction of an Active Travel Act to incorporate cycling and walking provision into land-use planning and new developments.
“Post-election I look forward to continuing to work with you and your colleagues as we seek to emphasise the health and social benefits of cycling.”
Paul Givan (DUP)
No response so far.
Keith Gray (Independent)
No response so far.
Brenda Hale (DUP)
No response so far.
Trevor Lunn (Alliance)
“The benefits of cycling are well proven and we need to encourage this and other healthy lifestyle choices. I don’t know how much should be allocated but £10 per head seem like a good start, I am happy to support your campaign.”
Samuel Morrison (TUV)
No response so far.
Dan Barrios-O’Neill (Green)
“As in 2016, I’d be delighted to support sensible green transport initiatives. As someone who has recently started a regular bike commute, some of the safety and infrastructure issues are now front-and-centre in my mind. Particularly since I often have my 3 year old daughter in tow.
- We commit to a £25 per capita investment in cycling infrastructure, as outlined in our manifesto.
- Yes. And we’d also like to explore the possibility of reopening railway connections. We’d also like to introduce contra-flow cycling in specifically signed, one-way streets with low volumes of traffic.
- In principle, yes.
“Other cycling / sustainable transport based policy includes: (i) introducing a module on awareness of cyclists and pedestrians as part of the driving test; (ii) encouraging the use of smaller electric or hybrid vehicles and invest in the electric charging network; (iii) changing the law to ‘presumed liability’ to protect the most vulnerable road users.
“Happy to field further questions.”
Jonny Orr (Independent)
“100% support.”
Jenny Palmer (UUP)
“I fully pledge my support for the urban rural cycling strategy.”
Edwin Poots (DUP)
No response so far.
Matthew Robinson (Conservatives)
“As an avid cyclist I’ll support your cycle campaign.”