Cyclists have complained that an East Belfast cycle lane is 'completely unusable' due to the number of parked cars in it.
The cycle lanes on both sides of the Newtownards Road have been in place for a number of years but are rarely used by cyclists due to cars parking in them.
Local businesses and residents have also complained about cyclists using the busy footpath as there is no cycle lane available for them to use.
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Speaking to Belfast Live, one cyclist from East Belfast said: "It can be quite frustrating when you approach the Newtownards Road and all of the cycle lanes are full of cars on both sides of the road.
"It is a constant problem and there has never been a time that I have attempted to use it that I have been able to for more than a few yards.
"It is a very busy stretch of the road and it feels like there is no reason for the cycle lane to be there at all because it is completely unusable due to all of the cars parked in it."
He said: "I regularly get complaints from cyclists regarding the cycle lanes on the Newtownards Road, along with business and local residents who are frustrated at the numbers of people cycling on the footpath.
"Active travel is very popular in East Belfast, which has been shown through the success of the Connswater and Comber Greenways, but there is a lot more that could be done to improve connectivity throughout the city.
"The Belfast Cycling Network Delivery Plan, publisher last year included multiple routes throughout East Belfast that would benefit from investment in active travel, however, it is disappointing that no budget was attached to this plan, meaning getting new schemes off the ground is more difficult."
"It is a shame that people are able to cycle so easily until they reach certain sections of the Newtownards Road where they are then blocked by cars.
"The DfI is absolutely devoid of any ambition whatsoever, totally devoted to the cult of the car.
The Department for Infrastructure has said that the cycle lanes on the Newtownards Road are 'advisory' and that cars are able to park in them as long as they do not breach other restrictions.
A Department for Infrastructure spokesperson said: "The cycle lanes along the Newtownards Road are advisory. This is denoted by a broken white line between the cycle lane and the rest of the carriageway. As such, vehicles can park on the cycle lane, provided they do so in accordance with any other restriction that may be present.
"Waiting and parking rules are set out in 238 to 252 of the Highway Code - Northern Ireland edition. The Department encourages drivers to 'think before you park' and to be considerate of the needs of other road users."
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