Infrastructure Minister Announces New Bus And Cycle Lanes

Pop-up cycles lanes in Belfast are to be maintained and a new bus lane established on the Dublin Road to further improve sustainable travel options in the city, Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced.

Announcing the main findings of a review on pop-up cycle lanes in Belfast, Minister Mallon said: "Active travel and the development of better cycling infrastructure is a key objective to begin a Green Recovery as we continue to live with the Covid pandemic.

"While the Covid crisis has brought unprecedented challenges and has fundamentally changed the way we live, there is no doubt that it has also created an opportunity for us all to take a closer look at how we travel or enjoy new leisure pursuits to improve our health and wellbeing.

"The pop up cycle lanes have been a popular addition to city centre streets but nevertheless I have listened to all the feedback and that is why I am taking forward legislation, which includes a period of statutory consultation, to introduce a bus lane along the Dublin Road to assist with traffic flow for buses and emergency vehicles.

"Work will begin shortly to restore the second lane which will be available to all traffic until the statutory consultation and the legislative process on the proposed bus lane is completed.

"The existing cycle lane will be narrowed very slightly to accommodate the scheme, we will push for this work to be completed as quickly as possible and I would appeal to all road users to be patient while it is ongoing.

"I wish to thank everyone who took time to contribute to the review which demonstrated that those walking, wheeling and cycling had most benefit from the pop-up cycle lanes.

"I remain committed to enhancing our active and sustainable travel facilities which allows us to connect communities, improve our health and wellbeing and also tackle the climate crisis."