Michelle McIlveen: ...greenway as it currently exists, as well as its future management, I am keen to see further expansion of the network. As part of a fact-finding visit, I went to the Netherlands to look at the fast-cycle route between Arnhem and Nijmegen and at how high-quality, dense cycling infrastructure networks enable local children to cycle to school and to assess the urban cycling infrastructure in...
Michelle McIlveen: ...total electricity consumption now generated from local renewable resources. We have the ongoing expansion of the natural gas network. We are working a lot with colleagues in transport for a new cycling infrastructure. There is additional electric-vehicle charging infrastructure. Obviously, agriculture is probably one of the trickiest to look at. We have the Efficient Farming Cuts...
Michelle McIlveen: ...transport, such as the forthcoming Belfast rapid transit scheme; the development of the Belfast transport hub; and park-and-ride, as well as strategies that promote public transport, walking and cycling.
Michelle McIlveen: ...the Member for her question. I am very keen for such projects to move forward, as was the former Minister. As a user of the greenway in my constituency, I see its benefits and the benefits of cycling, but, given the increase in population in that area, I advise that members of the public use the park-and-ride facility and take advantage of the public transport system that is in place there.
Michelle McIlveen: I thank the Member for his question. Obviously, I have been quite active, in the short period that I have been Minister, in relation to cycling, and I hope to continue that in the coming weeks. This year, it is anticipated that the Department will spend £2·4 million on cycling. This includes expenditure on the Active School Travel programme. In 2014-15, a total of £7·5 million was...
Michelle McIlveen: All politics is, obviously, local. The Giro d'Italia was a wonderful showcase event that focused on a remarkable interest in cycling, not just in east Belfast but across Northern Ireland. Cycling is, of course, an important, healthy and sustainable way of travelling for everyday purposes. As I have said, to support and promote the growth of cycling, we are taking forward elements of the...
Michelle McIlveen: ...to try to reduce risk there. A microprocessor optimised vehicle actuation system was introduced in May 2013; a puffin controlled pedestrian crossing was installed; and we have looked to improve cycling and pedestrian facilities along the Castlerock Road. There are competing demands in that area, and it has obviously become an issue. We are monitoring how those measures progress as a...
Michelle McIlveen: ...Life' report on 21 October. This report was compiled by Sustrans and is based on Copenhagen's 'Bicycle Account' series. It is the first ever bicycle report for Belfast and provides information on cycling conditions in the city and the views of residents on various aspects of cycling. As the Member said, the report indicates the number of journeys — 19,000 — made by bicycle every day...
Michelle McIlveen: ...see better access to the greenway provided at the Comber end, particularly linking into Comber town and eventually into Newtownards. That would allow for greater numbers of people to enjoy a safe cycling and walking route. That would be for commuters and leisure users. If Departments and councils work together, we have an opportunity to develop Comber greenway into a world-class facility.
Michelle McIlveen: ...bicycle infrastructure, good support measures for those who want to use a bicycle and effective programmes for behavioural change. I am particularly keen to explore opportunities to expand the cycling infrastructure, in building better infrastructure for the bicycle so that people can have the freedom and confidence to travel by bicycle for everyday journeys. Current work has focused on...
Michelle McIlveen: ...anything further would be required in those areas, but I am happy for officials to look at it as we move forward through the project. This is an exciting option, and it will certainly develop cycling in Northern Ireland.
Michelle McIlveen: ...Joe Fitzpatrick have tasted success at the youth games. It presents an incredible opportunity to witness the development and nurturing of the next generation of global superstars. The next two cycles will see Samoa play host next year, and St Lucia in 2017. There is not only a history but a clear intention to encourage the smaller nations of the Commonwealth to play host to the youth...
Michelle McIlveen: ...greater depth. Some 22 sports governing bodies were represented at that event. Sports that participated in the review included athletics, badminton, tennis, swimming, martial arts, motorsport, cycling, and water- and equestrian-based sports. The review did not include the so-called big-three sports — football, GAA and rugby — which have seen, and will see, significant capital...
Michelle McIlveen: I thank the Member for tabling this Matter of the Day regarding a Newtownards man and, indeed, one of my constituents, Martyn Irvine. Over the past few years, the interest in competitive cycling has increased massively, thanks in no small part to some now almost iconic British cyclists, such as Sir Chris Hoy, Sir Bradley Wiggins, Victoria Pendleton and our own Wendy Houvenaghel, who tasted...