Belfast's cycle visions for the future

Transport Minister Conor Murphy today announced the establishment of a project to explore the introduction of a public hire bike scheme in Belfast.

Minister Murphy, the keynote speaker this evening at the Belfast Cycle City - Visions for the Future Conference, said: "The setting up of a joint project, involving Belfast City Council, the Strategic Investment Board and my Department, to examine the feasibility and options for introducing a public bike hire scheme in Belfast, is a demonstration of my commitment to encouraging cycling in the city.

"I am greatly interested in the vision by today’s hosts, Friends of the Earth, that Belfast could become one of the top ten cycling cities in these isles. I have asked the recently established Active Travel Forum to explore the recommendations of the 2020 Vision Report in detail, as part of its work to present recommendations to me for an Active Travel Strategy for the north."

Minister Murphy drew attention to the significant improvements to cycling infrastructure as well as the complementary traffic calming measures already provided by the Department’s Roads Service in Belfast and advised, that through the Travelwise initiative, his Department continued to promote cycling as a healthy, environmentally friendly and cost effective mode of transport.

The conference, organised by Friends of the Earth to discuss the future of cycling in Belfast, took place in the run up to the annual cycling promotion which stretches this year from 13-27 June. A wide-ranging programme of events is being put together by Department for Regional Development's (DRD) Travelwise, in partnership with many local councils and cycling bodies, under the banner,'Two Wheels: Two Weeks'.

Minister Murphy told delegates: "I look forward to hearing the findings and outcomes from today’s conference and look forward to working closely with all organisations interested in promoting cycling in the city."

Notes to editors:

1. Conference speakers include : Philip Darnton, Chief Executive of Cycling England, Ciaran Fallon of Dublin City Council and Steven Patterson, Sustrans.
2. Public hire bicycle schemes which enable the general public to access bicycles at a range of locations have been operating in cities throughout Europe for some time. A hugely successful scheme, 'dublinbikes', was launched in Dublin in 2009 and its success has exceeded all expectations. Senior officials in Belfast City Council, DRD and the Strategic Investment Board are investigating the feasibility of launching a public hire scheme in Belfast.
3. Travelwise is an initiative of the Department for Regional Development tasked with promoting sustainable travel options, cycling is a key element of the sustainable alternatives. Travelwise promotes cycling as part of its work with schools, employers and the general public through a range of public events such as Bike Week.
4. The Active Travel Forum was established by the Department earlier this year to research active travel initiatives and bring forward proposals for an Active Travel Strategy for the north. The Forum’s report is expected in autumn 2010.
5. For further information on Travelwise please call 0845 3780 908 or visit the Travelwise website .
6. All media queries to Department for Regional Development Press Office, Tel 028 9054 0004. Out of office hours please contact the Daily Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.