Election Cycle 2016 – Foyle

“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, and there’s a responsibility on government at all levels to support this development.

“The SDLP will explore plans for the development of Greenways, as we believe that the redevelopment of our Greenways will help build sustainable tourism such as walking and cycling. A good example of this is the Greenways developed by Derry City Council next to the river Foyle, which have transformed our riverfront and was supported by all SDLP councillors.

“In Belfast, Councillor Tim Attwood led the campaign that secured almost £700,000 from the Minister of Regional Development to introduce a public cycle hire scheme which will launch on April 27th 2015. 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 Northern Ireland. We believe that the growing cycling culture in Northern Ireland must be supported by the department if it is to grow and flourish.”

“I recognise the potential environmental, economic and health  benefits of an increased and enhanced greenway network. Locally, I am working with community groups and the council to get funding for an extension of our existing greenway to Strathfoyle.

“I support the idea of such legislation being brought forward and in my Strategic Planning Policy Statement and in decisions made I have sought to reduce dependence on cars. Walkability and connectivity are key considerations in the assessment of applications and my department’s ‘Living Places’ document has won awards.”

“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.

“The SDLP will explore plans for the development of Greenways, as we believe that the redevelopment of our Greenways will help build sustainable tourism such as walking and cycling.

“SDLP Belfast City Councillor Tim Attwood led the campaign that secured almost £700,000 from the Minister of Regional Development to introduce a public cycle hire scheme which will launch on April 27th 2015. 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 the department if it is to grow and flourish.”

“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.”

“Chris Lyttle chaired the All Party Assembly Group on Cycling and to work with organisations like Sustrans NI and NI Greenways to mobilise MLAs in support of cycling.

“The APG on Cycling hosted a number of important stakeholder events to facilitate supportive input from MLA and NGOs into the Assembly Regional Development Committee Cycling Inquiry and the Department for Regional Development Cycling Strategy.

“The APG on Cycling also hosted and participated in events to promote Bike Week and the Sustrans/DRD Cycling Unit Belfast Bike Life Report which has established public support for increased investment in cycling provision.

“Alliance has also submitted multiple cycling related questions to Regional Development Ministers to support enhanced cycle provision and to raise awareness of underinvestment in comparison with other regions, which DRD has estimated will decrease from £4.17 per head of population in 2014/15 to only £1.30 per head of population for 2015/16.

“Alliance Party MLAs will therefore fully support a wide range of enhanced cycling provision in Northern Ireland, 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 planning and new development.

“We will work with everyone to make this the best cycling region in these islands.”