South and East Belfast Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Parker urges support for 2020 cycle strategy after Friends of the Earth meeting

Published: 12 October, 2009

Balmoral Sinn Féin representative Vincent Parker, speaking after last week meeting with representatives of Friends of the Earth, has said that proposals outlined as part of the Belfast Cycle City 2020 campaign, which will, this week, be put before Belfast City Council's Development Committee, could help ease traffic congestion in parts of South Belfast including the Lisburn Road and Malone Road commuter corridors.


Vincent Parker said,

"Last week I met with representative from Friends of the Earth. Among the issues which were discussed was the Belfast Cycle City 2020 campaign which seeks to create positive change to cycling provision in the city of Belfast. It is an ambitious vision which, if adopted, would see Belfast City Council create a new 10 year cycle strategy in 2010, set a target of 10% of all journeys to be made by bicycle by 2020, and increase annual cycle spending (from the current £1) to £15 per person


"The 2020 proposals will be put before the City Council's Development Committee this Wedensday.


Mr Parker continued,

"These proposals, I believe, fit well within the ideas that Sinn Féin have been developing in relation to future sustainable transport goals.


"While the Cycle City 2020 proposals will benefit the whole of Belfast, I believe that it will have particular benefits for South Belfast where, at present, the Lisburn Road and Malone Road commuter corridors are heavily congested each day, with single occupant cars, and clogged with school runs. I would therefore urge all of the councillors on Belfast City Council to back these proposals and help make Belfast a better, healthier and more environmentally friendly city."

CRÍOCH