Lack of infrastructure remains biggest barrier to cycling in Northern Ireland, says Sustrans
Posted on in Business News , Cycles News
Cycling and active living charity Sustrans has claimed there is strong evidence that a lack of infrastructure is the biggest barrier to getting more people on bikes in Northern Ireland.
The charity has also said that programmes to build confidence and skills are key to encouraging more cycling in the region.
Sustrans has asserted that, despite years of Government policy promoting active travel, the percentage of journeys made by bike in Northern Ireland has remained stuck at 1% for more than a decade, with the charity claiming that cycling brings clear benefits including cutting traffic congestion, which costs the UK economy £7.7bn annually, reducing air pollution and improving health and wellbeing.
According to the Walking and Cycling Index, 30% of Belfast residents say they want to drive less, but 38% report they often have no choice but to use a car because of limited alternatives.
Annette Moore, who lives two miles from her workplace at Musgrave Park Hospital and is keen to cycle but must navigate one of Belfast’s busiest roads, said: “I know I could do the journey in 15 to 20 minutes but I’m fearful of the traffic particularly during the busiest times of the day.”
Through Sustrans’ workplace scheme, Annette has taken part in lunchtime rides and a six-week women’s cycling course. “I really enjoyed it… it helped give me the confidence to try to cycle on roads,” she said.
“I found there is a freedom that comes with cycling – you can go a bit further and it’s good to get outside. Cycling is beneficial for both physical and mental health. Providing safe routes for cycling is vital. As well as that sometimes all you need is that bit of support and confidence to get on your bike.”
David Tumilty of the Public Health Agency also stressed the wider gains. He said: “Regular cycling is a great way to build physical activity into your daily routine – it helps improve cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, supports mental wellbeing and can contribute to maintaining a healthy weight.”
The Department for Infrastructure published the Belfast Cycling Network Plan in 2022, however Sustrans highlights that most schemes remain at design stage, leaving many commuters without safe, continuous cycle routes.
The charity argues that until infrastructure catches up, too many people who want to cycle will remain put off by the risks of sharing busy roads with traffic.