Residents of Belfast have made their voices heard with pleas for better cycling infrastructure across the city.

A 2019 Belfast bike life report released today, 05 March, showcased keen support for more safe cycle lanes to be developed.

Local Sinn Féin councillor Ciaran Beattie has called on the Department for Infrastructure to take action.

"Every day, people cycling in Belfast takes up to 7,500 cars off the road, which helps tackle congestion and air pollution across the city," Cllr Beattie commented.

"It's clear there is a need and an appetite for good quality cycling infrastructure throughout the city, as 77% of people think that more protected cycle lanes, separate from traffic, would help them cycle more.

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"Additionally, there's a lot of people in Belfast who don't have access to a car and would benefit greatly from investment in new safe cycle lanes throughout the city.

"This would help combat the risk of social exclusion, debt and transport poverty, while also improving peoples physical and mental health."

Belfast City Council has also successfully lobbied the Department for Infrastructure to conduct a feasibility study of cycle routes that would run in parallel with the M1 motorway. This would provide a safe route to the city for cyclists from Lisburn, numerous park and rides and the residents of South and West Belfast.

"This report makes it loud and clear of the public desire to build better cycling lanes throughout Belfast, as well as the wider benefits it will bring to the city as a whole," he added.

"The Department of Infrastructure should now act and deliver on the feasibility plans that they have prepared."

(CM/MH)