AQW 25715/11-15

Mr Daithí McKay
Sinn Féin
North Antrim

Tabled Date: 16/09/2013
Answered On Date: 18/10/2013
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Regional Development if there are plans to review the guidance on cycle-friendly planning and design, in conjunction with local authorities and other partners, to ensure that opportunities to improve cycling conditions are incorporated, wherever possible, into roads, traffic planning schemes and all planned road maintenance work.

Answer:

My Department uses a number of guidance documents relating to cycle provision and design to embrace best practice in this area. These include the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB), Local Transport Notes produced by Department for Finance (DfT) such as ‘Cycle Infrastructure Design’ and various Cyclists’ Touring Club (CTC), SUSTRANS and Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation (CHIT) guidance documents along with other documents produced by local councils and other voluntary groups. Revision of these documents is a matter for the individual groups and bodies responsible for them. The Department will engage with interested stakeholders with the aim of improving the provision of cycling facilities.

I have recently instructed officials in my Department to give increased and focussed priority to the needs of cyclists, to encourage greater participation in this healthy and sustainable form of transport. I have also asked for a new cycling unit to be established, to ensure the effective progress of a range of cycling initiatives.