Sections of Belfast’s Cycle Network Plan are at risk in a new Department for Infrastructure transport plan for the city.
Former DfI Minister Nichola Mallon unveiled her 10-year blue-print for improving cycling infrastructure across Belfast in 2021 with a cost estimate of £100m.
But Belfast City Council Alliance councillor, Micky Murray, says he learned at the latest Growth and Regeneration Committee meeting parts of it could be ‘displaced’ by a new Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan.
Read more: Belfast cycle network plan includes 193km of new city routes
The Balmoral councillor says he is disappointed parts of the city’s proposed cycling infrastructure could already be doomed.
He said: “Whilst the Belfast Cycle Network Plan is a deeply flawed plan by the Department for Infrastructure, it has the potential to lay the groundwork for a better cycling network across the city than currently exists, which is something that we absolutely must strive for.
“The main arterial routes of Lisburn Road and Malone Road aren’t due to have cycling infrastructure in place until 2028-31, and the Upper Malone Road, Upper Lisburn Road, and Finaghy Road South have all been completely ignored in the plan.
“Now it emerges that the Department’s new Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan, which won’t have a final draft until late 2024, may take priority.
“Despite there being a huge need and want for safe cycling infrastructure across our city, and the Department stating that walking, wheeling, and cycling, are above public transport in their priorities, the Cycle Network Plan is already at risk of collapse. It’s so incredibly frustrating.
“There has been next to no delivery on the plan to date, and with 10% of the overall transport budget to be spent on active travel, it really makes you question just how serious DfI are about prioritising active travel and achieving net zero.”
We asked the Department for Infrastructure whether this new transport plan for Belfast puts active travel first.
A spokesperson said: “The Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan is at an early stage of development and will prioritise journeys made by walking and wheeling, cycling and public transport.
“It aims to incorporate the Belfast Cycling Network (BCN) while considering how we best utilise our existing road space to retain a functioning transport network that serves the needs of the Belfast community.
“Whilst this may ultimately involve some changes from those outlined within the BCN, should this be required the Department will seek to identify additional segregated cycling routes.
“The Department remains committed to improving our cycling and public transport infrastructure as this is a crucial way in which we help to bring about a reduction in car traffic.
“In terms of specific Active Travel capital related projects, funding of approximately £12m was recorded against 2022/23 with a further capital spend of £18.5m on Active Travel anticipated for this year," they added.
“We are continuing to engage with councils to explore opportunities for greenways with letters of offer issued to help deliver a number of projects.
“We have commissioned a Northern Ireland wide Active Travel Delivery Plan which we are aiming to publish for consultation towards the latter part of this calendar year which will complement and take account of the Belfast Cycle Network Delivery Plan and the Exercise Explore Enjoy –a Strategic Plan for Greenways.
“Some of the positive developments in the current year include the opening of Strathfoyle Greeway which the Department co-funded, engagement on the development of the West Belfast Greenway; opening of the Coleraine Ring Road enhancing provisions for Active Travel and major upgrade to Jane’s Shore co-funded by the Department.”
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