Active travel is not a new idea in Northern Ireland but it “hasn’t been given the backing required” admits Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd.
But during his time his office, the Sinn Fein MLA has vowed to “make a difference” to walking, cycling and wheeling infrastructure.
Mr O’Dowd was speaking at the launch of the Sustrans Walking and Cycling Index 2021 at AllState’s Belfast office along the Lagan towpath.
Read more: Majority of Belfast people want more segregated cycle lanes on roads
We revealed last week that despite a move towards active travel during the pandemic, Belfast still has just two miles of segregated cycle lanes.
The Minister said: “Those who built Craigavon had a vision even then, 60 years ago, that you could cycle and walk to your place of employment, for leisure etc.
“This is not a new idea. The problem is that the idea hasn’t been given the backing that is required.
“Now that we are in a time of emergency, it’s all the more important that we back up the proposals and the ideas that are well known with infrastructure, support and also with the political message that we need to do more in relation to walking, cycling and wheeling.
“I can assure you that I will do whatever I can over the period of time ahead and I intend to make a difference regardless of how short a time I am in this post.
“I am here to do a job and I intend to do that job regardless of how long I am in this post,” he told those gathered for the event at AllState Belfast.
“I want to see our cycling, walking and wheeling infrastructure improve.”
He praised employers like AllState, who have installed bike facilities for their staff and support active travel among their staff.
The Sustrans report highlighted major support for segregated cycle lanes across Belfast even if that meant a reduction in space for motor vehicles.
Unsafe and glass strewn cycle ways were highlighted during the event, with users calling for better planning around "dangerous junctions" and cycle lanes that "come to a sudden stop".
“Junctions are a real hazard and that puts off women, children - they need to be planned properly now,” said Anne Madden from Sustrans.
A member of the public called for bus lanes to be in play every day from 7am-7pm as they “provide a good means of cycling”.
Active travel charity Sustrans said it would also support a ban on pavement parking and in their report said £100million in funding was needed to encourage more people to walk, wheel and cycle.
Minister O’Dowd admitted during the event that spending £100million on a road would be accepted.
We asked if there was work going in internally to encourage a shift in the department’s culture towards active travel.
The Minister said: “We have a Climate Change Bill which dictates that we have to spend up to 10% of our budget in relation to active travel.
“Therefore, not only will the department’s mindset have to change but society’s mindset has to change in terms of how we transport ourselves about.
“Whoever takes over from me still has the Climate Change Bill to work with and ensure we improve access in terms of active travel.”
While Minister O’Dowd has access to just 45% of the department’s budget as a result of the Assembly not forming, he said he can make decisions.
“This is far from ideal because without an Executive a Minister cannot properly function... but I intend to do whatever I can.”
A Belfast City Council spokesperson said a final strategy on ending car dominance on our roads is coming soon while they have also consulted on inconsiderate parking in the city.
We asked the Minister if he would support a ban on pavement parking.
He added: “Let me see the results of the consultation [on inconsiderate parking].
“That has to be dealt with but the concept of banning parking on footpaths - that’s a broader question.”
Read more: Company announces second gas price hike for Northern Ireland
Read more: 'Badgers should be vaccinated for bovine TB not killed'
For the latest politics news straight to your inbox , sign up to our newsletter here
