Photograph of signage erected by North Down Borough Council outlining how pedestrians and cyclists should share the path |
Over the last few years substantial monies have been spent upgrading sections of the North Down Coastal Path to safely accommodate cyclists and pedestrians alike. Legislation hasn’t unfortunately been updated and it is still technically illegal to cycle on the path despite signage to the contrary outlining how pedestrians and cyclists should share the path.
The entire situation is a shambles and has been allowed to rumble on for far too long.
The authorities responsible need to move up a gear and put the wheels in motion towards a speedy resolution.
Every time I cycle on the path I fear that I may be branded a criminal due to the inaction of others.
A recent Assembly Question posed by another cycling supporter East Belfast Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle exposed the fact that the matter has been stuck in bureaucracy since October last year. Two government departments and North Down Borough Council are responsible for resolving the situation with the Department for the Environment waiting on legal opinion”.