Belfast has long been criticised for lagging behind the rest of the UK’s major cities when it comes to installing safe, protected infrastructure for cyclists. But that could soon be set to change, thanks to plans to build a dedicated three-metre-wide cycle lane along one of the city’s busiest commuter corridors, a scheme described by one politician as “better late than never”.

However, the project has been criticised by a local taxi firm, who have claimed that building bike lanes “at the detriment of other road users” will place “immediate pressure on the roads” for motorists in a city with “limited space”.

Last week, Northern Ireland’s Department for Infrastructure launched a public consultation on a new protected cycle lane linking Queen’s University Belfast in the south of the city and the centre, which forms part of the Belfast Cycling Network Delivery Plan.

> Is this the UK’s worst city for cycling? Riding around Belfast’s abysmal bike network (and why drivers should be cycling campaigners’ best friends)

The scheme, if approved, will run from Bankmore Square along Dublin Road, currently home to a lightly segregated bike lane, and the busy Botanic Avenue. It will culminate at the university’s main campus car park, which boasts sheltered bike storage facilities as well as a dedicated cycle repair and hire hub.

Along with the creation of a dedicated 3m-wide cycle lane, the proposals include enhancements to the area’s footpaths, improved controlled crossing facilities, and public realm improvements on Botanic Avenue, where several ‘car free’ events have taken place in recent years, to call for space to be given to cyclists and pedestrians.

Botanic Avenue Belfast cycle lane plans
Botanic Avenue Belfast cycle lane plans (Image Credit: Department for Infrastructure (Northern Ireland))

Speaking to the Irish News, South Belfast MLA Matthew O’Toole said the plans would encourage cycling and walking, reduce car use, improve public health, and cut harmful emissions, claiming the proposals would make Belfast “a better place to live, work, and visit”.

However, the SDLP politician also took aim at the much-criticised Department for Infrastructure’s slow, patchy record when it comes to implementing active travel improvements in Belfast, arguing that the proposed work on Botanic Avenue is “long overdue”.

“This consultation is very welcome, but long overdue,” O’Toole said. “This cycle lane should have been delivered before 2025, but it’s a case of ‘better late than never’ when it comes to installing this route between Bankmore Square and Botanic Gardens”.

He added that it was “disappointing that not a single one of the Department’s short-term targets have been delivered”, while crediting his own party with improving the city’s cycling infrastructure during its time in government.

> Coroner highlights lack of “comprehensive cycle path network” during inquest into cyclist’s death, as cycling charity warns collision site “long been regarded as unsafe”

But while O’Toole was critical of the delays in making Belfast a safe, well-connected city for people on bikes, the proposals have come under fire from one local taxi firm, who have questioned whether the decision to build a new protected bike lane in the south of the city is “justified” or “worthwhile”.

“In the same way as we’ll fight for road space for cars, there should be road space for bike users as well,” Fonacab’s Stephen Anton told the Irish News.

“I can definitely see the cyclist’s point when it comes to have a dedicated cycle lane for safety. But I would like to see the data that shows how many cyclists are actually using the facilities on Dublin Road before I make a final statement as to whether it’s worthwhile.”

He continued: “It’s clear there’s not enough money for everything. The taxi industry has a call on some DfI money, the pothole people have a call on some DfI money, the A5, the Westlink interchange – there are so many different calls on a limited pot of money.

> “Taxis using bus lanes only serve to endanger cyclists”: Cycling campaigners slam “hidden” consultation to extend “dangerous” and controversial trial

“If this was a brand-new city, where you’ve got tram lines, a bus lane, a traffic lane, and a cycle lane laid in from the start, that’s wonderful. But we’re dealing with a very old city with limited road space as it is.

“If you build more infrastructure, there’s likely to be a gradual uptake. But if you build more at the detriment of other road users, then there’s going to be an immediate pressure on the roads for everyone else.

“Everybody has a right to the road, but let’s see some evidence that the expenditure has been justified.”

Following a public drop-in event with members of the project team last week, residents have been asked to submit their feedback on the scheme by email until 10 April.