Residents in North Belfast have raised concerns after they 'were not consulted' about a new cycle lane in the area.
The Newington Residents Group emphasise they are not against the development of a cycle lane in the area that is already taking shape along the Cavehill and Limestone Roads, however they are frustrated that they were not able to highlight their concerns to the Department for Infrastructure directly.
They said that on Friday, March 4, only "a handful" of residents in the area received a letter mentioning the cycle lane proposal, claiming no other correspondence was received from the Department before this, and cycle lane works began on March 6. They believe "this left no time for anyone to oppose it".
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The cycle lane is being put in place on a trial period, with a review set to take place after 12 months.
A main concern of the residents group is that the cycle lane will cause "complete parking disruption and traffic chaos for residents on the main roads and surrounding streets".
However, in a statement to Belfast Live, a spokesperson for the Department for Infrastructure confirmed that although "no feasibility study on parking has been carried out" site observations show "there is always minimum parking on the northern side of the Limestone Road".
They added that "it is not anticipated that parking opportunities will be significantly impacted upon" by the introduction of a cycling lane in the area.
Local resident Tom O'Kane has been living in the Limestone area for the past 35 years, and said he is concerned by the impact the cycle lane may have on traffic build-up and parking in the area.
"We're not happy with this, we got two days notice it would be happening," Tom told Belfast Live.
"We had to fight to get traffic sorted outside the housing on the Limestone itself, we got traffic islands put in to make sure everything was slowed down, they've taken them away now. It's going to be like a race track up and down this road now, it's just not on.
"We should have been consulted and would have discussed it with the Infrastructure Minister, but it didn't happen. We've had people out looking, and there's up to five people out on bikes in the morning, for thousands of pounds to be spent on the lane.
"The parking here is mad even now, with cars double parking. They're parking to go into the pub, or to leave their kids over to go into the park or whatever. The same thing happens along the road on the Cavehill Road outside the park on weekends. We're worried about what will happen now."
In relation to this concern, a spokesperson for the DfI said: "It is not our intention to place any new parking restrictions. The introduction of the cycle lane will reduce the width of the running traffic lanes and reduce the speed of traffic as a result. This will improve road safety in the vicinity of the primary schools."
The Department for Infrastructure have had community engagement on the Belfast Cycling Network since 2017, with the majority of the consultation taking place online.
Following the consultation, a North and West Belfast Feasibility Study was completed by Sustrans on behalf of DfI and integrated into the current plans.
"I would like to know what residents they spoke to, and where they had these meetings on the Limestone and the Cavehill," a local resident queried.
Living in close proximity to a church, residents have said parking issues when services are on "is to be expected."
A resident added: "I've been living here for 54 years, and we're used to it [church parking] because it's only a few hours. But now, that whole side of the road will be taken away and residents will have no parking space."
Bar manager at Cassidy's Bar, Joe Killen, also told Belfast Live he had not been consulted by the Department on the proposals for the cycle lane.
He said he believes its introduction will cause a "domino effect" for traffic build-up and parking issues in the nearby area.
"We all want a greener environment for ourselves and our future generations, but where was the consultation?," Joe added.
"With the logistics of this, they're going to have it on the right side of the Limestone Road, but going up the left side of the Cavehill. Has anybody been here on a Saturday morning, and seen the state of the parking up that road?
"There's no need for it, it's not practical. This is not Amsterdam, we don't have enough trams, buses, and cycles. We wish we did, but we don't, and the demand doesn't seem to be there."
A Department for Infrastructure spokesperson said: “In June 2021, Minister Mallon published ‘Making Belfast an Active City – Belfast Cycling Network’ which sets out a blue print for the development and operation of cycling infrastructure in the city for the next ten years.
"One of these proposed routes is on the Limestone Road and Cavehill Road. The Minister is committed to developing better cycling provision in North Belfast, especially as current provision is so minimal.
"Departmental officials have consulted with some stakeholders including local schools. Officials have also met with local businesses and the North Belfast Cycling Campaign Group who are keen that those wanting to cycle in the local area are enabled to do so safely.
"An information letter was issued to the businesses and residents on the Limestone Road on 4 th March 2022. Minister Mallon has asked officials to issue the ‘advanced notice’ letter ahead of the scheme for three weeks while views from local stakeholders are collated. The Minister has also asked officials to make arrangements to meet with those who have concerns.
"It should also be noted that this is a trial scheme and a review will take place after twelve months but, as in other cases, amendments to the scheme may be made, if necessary, during the trial period.”
Please click here to view the petition.
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