Election Cycle 2016 – Belfast South

“Since I don’t drive, I rely on public transport and my bicycle to get me to places – and very often cycling is quicker. I enjoy cycling, and there is nothing like hopping on the bike on a lovely spring day.

“I am glad to see that there are more cycling lanes in Belfast now, but definitely not enough.  I live between two very busy roads, and I avoid cycling on either, because I find it too dangerous.

“I used to volunteer for NI Sustrans years ago, planted some trees on the Comber Greenway and also went on some cycling trips to Castle Espie.  Therefore I know first-hand how enjoyable cycling on greenways can be, and how good it is to get on your bike, out of the city and into the countryside.

“If elected to the Assembly, I may not always be able to cycle from South Belfast to Stormont, but I would love to buy a folding bike to do at least part of the journey on a regular basis.”

“The Belfast Bike Scheme has been a success from the start and I am keen to see this rolled out further across Belfast. There are high levels of congestion throughout Belfast with Ormeau Road being named the slowest road in Northern Ireland, we need to move towards more sustainable transport and encourage people to get on their bikes.

“The SDLP is also very supportive of Greenway development as we believe that it will help build sustainable tourism such as walking, cycling and geotourism.“

“In short my answers are

1. Yes depending on funding – which shouldn’t be an issue if waste is effectively tackled in Stormont.
2. Yes
3. Yes

“2 and 3 are specific Conservative party policies and I am happy to campaign for them.

“I’d like to thank bikefast.org for campaigning and keeping the project in the limelight otherwise council and government will again squander and waste the budget that could be spent on these initiatives.

“The Belfast to Lisburn , Belfast to Jordanstown and Belfast to Comber greenways have proven this strategy a success as a commute for some or a place to enjoy and exercise for others, therefore the use of abandoned railway lines and canal paths across the country have great potential.

“With the Giro Legacy that we have not capitalised on. there is also tourist potential were cycle holidays would attract cycling tourists to ride across this network
What I have been told by those involved is that inner city Belfast cycle lanes have been rushed and some have been approved just to meet targets resulting in potential dangerous cycle lanes around Belfast that swap between footpath and against the flow of traffic, and shared Bus/cycle lanes that are not always suitable for bikes.

“Another criticism I have been made aware of is that children have not been considered in any way to make cycling more attractive to them. I would like to see more campaigning into getting children cycling, this should be considered more as, I feel if people are introduced to bike culture earlier then the lifestyle and love of cycling will stay with them, and then in turn with their children.

“I personally don’t own a car and rely on the metro system and have made use of the Belfast bikes which have been a fantastic introduction to Belfast.”

I support the development of Greenways. The Comber Greenway is a place that I enjoy bringing my young daughter as she learns to cycle. The tranquility of the traffic-free area is a great resource on my doorstep and I would recommend everyone who can access it to visit. There has been an increase in the number of cycle lanes in Belfast, but I feel that in certain areas they are not used to their full potential, and more should be provided to provide free flowing cycling and improve user safety.

I support Legislation. To promote healthier lifestyles and improve on the usage of public transport we must consider ways to encourage the opportunity to not use a car.