AQW 25260/11-15

Mr Daithí McKay
Sinn Féin
North Antrim

Tabled Date: 04/09/2013
Answered On Date: 07/10/2013
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Regional Development to outline (i) the safety issues that his Department has identified for cyclists using the route from Central Station to the Belfast City Centre; and (ii) how these will be addressed prior to the introduction of the Belfast Public Bike Hire Scheme.

Answer:

My Department’s Roads Service is aware of issues for cyclists using the route from Central Station to Belfast City Centre.

I would also advise the Member that I have recently instructed my officials to give increased and focused priority to the needs of cyclists, to encourage greater participation in this healthy and sustainable form of transport. To that end, I am establishing a new cycling unit to ensure cycling issues and initiatives are progressed in a more coherent and coordinated manner across my Department, in partnership with local government, voluntary bodies, public transport operators and the health and education sectors.