SDLP South Belfast representative Elsie Trainor has welcomed the publication of the Belfast Cycling Network Delivery Plan.

SDLP Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon published the plan which sets out of the vision of the Belfast Cycling Network becoming a reality over the next ten years.

It aims to join up the existing cycle infrastructure and develop new safe routes across the city to encourage more people to choose active travel modes of transport.

Ms Trainor said:

“The publication of the Belfast Cycling Network Delivery Plan is a key part of SDLP Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon’s strategy to make cycling safer and easier for people right across our city. She has demonstrated a serious commitment to increase options for active and more environmentally friendly travel.

“Cycling is already hugely popular, particularly in our constituency. Large numbers of people avail of our cycle lanes and the Belfast Bikes scheme. It’s a mode of transport being favoured more and more by people of all ages from our students right up to our older generations.

“If we are going to get serious about tackling the climate crisis then we need to make active and sustainable travel more accessible to our communities. This £100m investment over the next ten years will deliver over 50 new individual cycling schemes and new routes for people to use.

“This latest announcement by SDLP Minister Mallon shows what can be delivered when politicians work to put people first and tackle the issues that matter to our local communities. Her commitment to changing the way we travel has made a huge impact in a number of areas and this plan will make a real difference.”