Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle has welcomed the creation of a walking and cycling champion within the Department of Infrastructure.

Chris said: “As the All Party Assembly Group on Cycling Chairperson, it is welcome to hear the Department is renewing its duty to promote and enhance cycling and walking for everyone.

“This global pandemic has changed the way we view transport, but if we are to see this issue taken seriously, action is urgently needed to improve the current cycling provision.

“It is unacceptable that DFI has taken over a year to fix obvious problems at one of Belfast’s few dedicated cycle lanes at Alfred Street and with the Belfast Cycle Network still in draft form since 2017, it is clear cycling hasn’t been prioritised to date.

“My colleague Andrew Muir has further suggested an active travel scheme, allowing more people access to bikes via the use of a voucher scheme and I would urge the Minister to give this serious consideration.

“I look forward to meeting with the Minister to hear her specific proposals, including the reallocation of road space and how pop up cycle lanes will function.”