Belfast Launches Innovative Cycle Parking Facilities

Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Micky Murray and Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd joined representatives from Queen's University Belfast to unveil three new, state-of-the-art cycle parking facilities on campus.

The project, funded in part by Queen's and supported by Belfast City Council with funding from the Department for Infrastructure, is part of a broader initiative to create a network of secure cycle parking locations in the city.

The new facilities at Queen's University Belfast include a fob access e-bike parking area with battery charging facilities, a canopy shelter designed for cyclists with disabilities and cargo bike users, and a fob access bike shelter at the Physical Education Centre.

These inclusive and secure cycle parking options are part of the Bolder Vision for Belfast, which aims to promote active travel and reduce car dependency. By working together, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast City Council, and the Department for Infrastructure have created a welcoming environment for cyclists of all abilities.

Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Micky Murray said: "I'd like to congratulate the project team in Queen's University Belfast and Belfast City Council who have worked so well together to ensure that these new secure bike parking facilities are accessible to all, as they include bike parking for people with disabilities and cargo bike parking with step free access. This project shows us what's possible when we collaborate with shared goals, a common vision, and a will to deliver for both the university and the wider community. It also demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to inclusive cycling infrastructure and has the potential to be a real game changer for many bike commuters in the area. "As a council, we're committed to embedding climate resilience and sustainability in all our future projects, and supporting active travel is central to this. By investing in secure cycling facilities, we're helping people to shift to more sustainable, climate conscious modes of transport. It's great to know that bike commuters can now safely and confidently store and charge their bikes after their commute, ready for their onward journey. This project benefits the wider city too – decreasing congestion, improving air quality, and helping to create a more liveable, healthier city for all. Including E-bike charging as part of a secure parking facility is a significant step forward for Belfast – with the only other location currently being Stormont estate – and I look forward to seeing other organisations being inspired to deliver similar facilities.

"As cyclists know, every turn of the wheel is a revolution – so let's keep the wheels turning in our move towards more active travel in Belfast. Congratulations to all involved."

Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd said: "I'm really pleased that my Department could provide £53k funding for this project and work with Queen's University and Belfast City Council to see it delivered. The opening of this publicly available e-bike charging facility, together with safe and secure storage for non-standard bicycles, including handcycles, recumbents and cargo bikes, shows that cycling can be inclusive and accessible for all ages and abilities.

"I look forward to seeing students, staff and the general public make good use of these facilities and consider cycling as an alternative to the private car for making shorter everyday journeys. Choosing to walk, wheel or cycle can help people beat congestion, improve their health and wellbeing and reduce their carbon footprint."

Queen's President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Ian Greer added: "The climate crisis is one of the most significant challenges facing society today, which is why Queen's has pledged to achieve Net Zero by 2040. As an anchor institution, we are committed to leading the way, with our partners, to help Northern Ireland's transition to a Net Zero society.

"To help achieve our Net Zero goal and encourage active travel we have a responsibility to provide the infrastructure to make it easier for people to travel sustainably. This new cycling infrastructure is a best-practice example of what can be achieved when partners work together to create solutions.

"These three new facilities are the first of their kind in Belfast. As well as providing secure cycle parking for 54 cycles, they also provide parking for non-standard cycles, including cargo bikes and recumbent cycles. One of the facilities is also home to the first publicly accessible free E-Bike charging provision in Belfast.

"We hope that this unique infrastructure will provide secure parking for those who already cycle, and that by reducing the barriers and creating more and accessible cycle parking, that it will encourage more people to cycle as their preferred mode of transport, leaving the car behind."

For more information, go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/activetravel