The North will have its own cycling revolution, Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has vowed.
Following a three day study tour of Copenhagen, Denmark and Malmo in Sweden, the Minister said the benefits of a cycling culture went far beyond a healthy lifestyle.
Mr Kennedy said: “It has been very impressive to see at firsthand how ‘normal’ cycling is for the majority of the populations in these cities. One of the key learning points for me is that cycling is not a goal in itself but is a means to an end.
“People here cycle for convenience because the infrastructure is so good. There are miles of wide cycle lanes all with excellent links across the cities and out to the suburbs with easy access to public transport.
“The knock-on effects are a healthier population putting less strain on health services. Traders too, reap the benefits from the numbers of people travelling round the city with countless bike stands for people to stop and shop.”
During his visit the Minister met Klaus Bondam, Director of the Danish Cyclists’ Federation and the world renowned urban designer Jan Gehl who has helped transform pedestrian and cycle environments in places such as New York, Melbourne and Moscow.
Mr Kennedy said: “It was truly a privilege to meet such inspirational people. Everyone we spoke to made it clear that Northern Ireland’s cycling revolution will take time and should happen in stages.
“Most importantly they advised us that building a safe and accessible cycling infrastructure should be part of an overall process whereby cities and towns are designed to improve the quality of life for the population.
“We need to create an environment which invites people to walk and cycle as much as possible. That is my vision for Northern Ireland and I am committed to making it happen.”
The Minister will now visit the US to see how cycling policy is being developed and improved.
While visiting Malmo and Copenhagen the Minister also visited a number of sustainable drainage sites.
Tags: