AQO 4480/11-15

Mr Sammy Douglas MBE, MCA
Democratic Unionist Party
East Belfast

Tabled Date: 02/09/2013
Answered On Date: 10/09/2013
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Regional Development what plans his Department has to make access safer for pedestrians and cyclists at Dee Street Bridge which links the Titanic Quarter cycle lanes.

Answer:

The portion of roadway between the Harbour Estate and Dee Street Bridge is public road with existing footways and, under the current layout, it is not possible to provide separate cycling facilities. However, my Department has a longer-term plan to widen the Sydenham By-Pass and replace the existing Dee Street Bridge. This scheme would provide the opportunity to provide enhanced cycle facilities into the Harbour Estate.

If these plans are achieved, this would link to the recently-provided two-way cycle lane along Sydenham Road which lies solely within the grounds of Belfast Harbour Estate and is under the control of the Belfast Harbour Commissioners. This cycle lane links the wider Titanic Quarter to the public road network via the pedestrian/cycle bridge over the Sydenham By-Pass to Island Street. This is the route preferred and recommended by Sustrans linking the Comber Greenway to Titanic Quarter.

I would stress that safety of pedestrians and cyclists is an issue I take very seriously. I am aware of the difficulties cyclists may encounter between Dee Street Bridge and the two-way cycle lane on Sydenham Road. The major difficulties for both pedestrians and cyclists at this point lie within the Harbour Estate and the Harbour Authority is aware of these concerns.