A new ‘Bike Yard’ offering cyclists somewhere to park their bikes securely has been opened in Belfast city centre.
The free-of-charge facility has opened “thanks to a partnership between Belfast City Council and CastleCourt Shopping Centre, and funding from the Department for Infrastructure”.
The Bike Yard can be accessed via the pedestrian access to CastleCourt Carpark from Gresham Street and Smithfield Market and will be open from 7am-7pm Monday-Wednesday and Friday - Saturday, 7am-10pm on Thursday and 12-7pm on Sunday.
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News of the opening has been welcomed by Green councillor Brian Smyth who has been pushing for better infrastructure for cyclists in the city.
He said: “This was a motion I brought 2 years ago calling for the council to put in place a secure bike parking facility in Belfast city centre. With the rise of cycling over the past few years, we need to support this, by delivering more safer and secure places for cyclists to park up.
“Other cities across the UK, Ireland and Europe have these in place. I believe we need also need to look at alternative ways to help people travel in and out of the city centre and this in its own small way, can offer that.
“We are looking at the further expansion of secure bike parking facilities in the city centre over the next 12/18 months. Many more people are cycling and with a escalating cost of living crisis, it offers a cheaper and more sustainable alternative for some.”
The facility can house 24 bikes and offers all-day on site security, Belfast Council said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
Belfast Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Michelle Kelly added: “Opening the Bike Yard in partnership with CastleCourt is part of our Bolder Vision - an ambitious blueprint to create a more attractive, accessible, safer and more vibrant city.
“We’re passionate about promoting wellbeing for all, prioritising walking, cycling and public transport, creating lively, safe and green streets and removing barriers to movement between the city centre and surrounding communities. Providing secure cycle parking is another small, but important step to encouraging people to move away from relying on their cars to get around.
“The Bike Yard will benefit people working and studying in Belfast - as well as those visiting the city. Along with our Active Travel Hub which we’re opening later this week at Cathedral Gardens, we hope to see more and more people choosing to cycle around the city - safe in the knowledge that their bike is secure while they work, study, or take some time out.”
Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd said: “I am delighted to see the opening of the Bike Yard, a great, free cycle parking facility that my Department has funded. This will increase the opportunities for cycling to and from this city centre location and it supports my commitment to addressing the climate emergency and will also make a positive difference to wellbeing in people’s lives.”
Leona Barr, Centre Manager at CastleCourt Shopping Centre added: “With more people coming into the city on a daily basis, we’re proud to be part of the solution to allow for more sustainable travel solutions with Belfast City Council. The Bike Yard at CastleCourt will be free of charge, and is housed beside the car park office, giving cyclists that extra peace of mind.”
For more information, go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/activetravel.
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