As Alliance Party Infrastructure Spokesperson I welcome Minister Nichola
Mallon’s announcement to appoint a Walking and Cycling Champion but urge
that practical actions are be taken without delay.
Decisions taken in the next few weeks about how we travel in Northern
Ireland will effect generations to come. It is therefore crucial that the
Department for Infrastructure and wider Executive grasp the challenge and
lead historic step change towards active, sustainable and accessible
travel. Recent reports that traffic in Northern Ireland has not fallen to
the same levels as rest of UK and Ireland are a matter of real concern
which ought to motivate all Executive Ministers to take swift
action.
I welcome news the Infrastructure Minister is prepared to consider my
suggestion that government offer discount vouchers for purchase and repair
of Bicycles. A simple but perhaps effective way to boost Active
Travel.
Capital Investment plans must also be reviewed and reprioritised to reflect
new priorities of 2020 with significant active and public transport
provision required to enable both social distancing now and a more
sustainable future ahead.
The public sector also ought to lead the way in moving towards new working
arrangements including working from home, staggered and flexible working
patterns plus video conferencing, all embraced as the norm
Further action such as Bus and Rail Fare Promotions, amending legislation
to enable a more speedy introduction of cycling provision and bus lanes
should be considered alongside a ban on pavement parking plus assistance and
guidance for the Taxi industry to continue in the context of social
distancing requirements.
