Election Cycle 2016 – Belfast West

“We are delighted to be able to support the three initiatives you propose and agree that their full implementation can make a significant difference to health, the environment and the economy.

“As Workers Party candidates we are fully committed to a safer, healthier environment, a healthier population and to alternative forms of travel and leisure opportunities.

“The ‘Investment, Greenways and Legislation’ strategy will require not just the commitment of individual candidates but inclusion in the next Programme for Government and a public commitment to joined up implementation across a number of Executive departments and a robust and innovative approach to funding and development.

“We are happy to give a commitment that we would work towards those ends.”

“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.”

“As a regular cyclist, I recognise the importance of building upon our existing cycling infrastructure and increasing education to make streets safer for all road users.

“I fully support implementation of the cycling strategy and a wide range of enhanced cycling provision in Northern Ireland, including:

1. Increased investment in cycling of at least £10 per head of population.
2. 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.
3. An Active Travel Act to incorporate cycling and walking provision into land-use planning and new development.

“Alliance is committed to work with everyone to make this the best cycling region in these islands.”

Our 5 West Belfast candidates fully support the campaign. We are a united party whose representatives stand by policy.”

“I support a £25/person/year dedicated cycling budget to make accessible, contiguous and protected infrastructure in urban areas a reality across Northern Ireland. By providing people of all ages with safe and fit-for-purpose cycle infrastructure across the region, we can expect a significant modal shift towards active transport, while also improving accessibility of our towns and cities for families and disabled people. The public health outcomes of cycling investment are clearly demonstrable across several EU states, and our population will benefit financially, and through improved quality of life, from a shift to cycling and other active transport modes, not to mention the long-term return on investment for the health service.

“I support a strong traffic-free greenways strategy with funding attached to enable rural inter-town and inter-village active travel routes across the region, improving accessibility to rural locations while incentivising rural development and promoting tourism opportunities. The public health of rural communities is often overlooked in policy discussions, and greenway development is one of many steps we can and should take to address some of these growing concerns for rural communities.

“I support the introduction of an Active Travel Bill which incorporates cycling and walking provision, and accessibility impact assessment considerations for each, into land-use planning and new developments, both rurally and within urban areas. I would also support legislative measures, where within the remit of the NI Assembly, to incentivise bicycle- and pedestrian-centred developments within urban centres, and a move towards a cellular block structure for town centres and residential areas, to strongly limit through traffic while retaining access for emergency services, deliveries and service, residents and disabled people.

“Cycling is a massive part of my life, and is something which has greatly improved my quality of life. As a disabled person, and as someone who lives on very low income currently, I have seen the benefits which bicycles can bring for mobility, quality of life, and the bank balance, both personally and on a wider public health scale. I would be keen to prioritise cycling and accessibility of our transport system generally during my time in the Assembly if I was elected. We have pressing environmental, financial, public health and urban liveability concerns facing us, and cycling can begin to address all of these in a significant way.”