SDLP Culture, Arts and Leisure spokesperson Karen McKevitt MLA has welcomed confirmation from the Department of Regional Development that consultation events on the draft bicycle strategy will be held across the North in the coming weeks.
Ms McKevitt said: “Cycling in Northern Ireland has undergone a real gear change in the past few years. There has been a noticeable upsurge in people choosing to bring their bike to work, go out cycling with their family or just take to the road on their own to enjoy our spectacular scenery.
“While it’s positive news that the Minister is introducing a long overdue strategy, the SDLP believes that there should be fundamental changes to the draft as it stands. Chief among these is the need for robust, deliverable local targets that will allow us to measure the effectiveness of the policy. Furthermore, we believe the Minister should look again at the plans to classify cyclists in a similar way to the English model which has proven to be ineffective.
“I’m glad that the public will now have a chance to have their say on the draft bicycle strategy at events across the North in the next few weeks and months. I would encourage anyone with an interest in cycling to attend one of the events taking place in towns and cities from September to November,” said Mrs McKevitt.
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