Northern Ireland

New Derry arrangements for social distancing and cycling

New arrangements to ensure social distancing and encourage cycling are being introduced along Derry's River Foyle walkway.
New arrangements to ensure social distancing and encourage cycling are being introduced along Derry's River Foyle walkway. New arrangements to ensure social distancing and encourage cycling are being introduced along Derry's River Foyle walkway.

TRAFFIC and social distancing arrangements including a pop-up cycle lane are being put in place in Derry city centre and along the River Foyle.

Infrastructure Minister Nicola Mallon announced plans to help maintain social distancing for walkers and to encourage more people to use bicycles.

Among the measures are a new lane along the Foyle Embankment and the widening of an existing cycle path beside the river.

Ms Mallon said the measures would allow people to continue to enjoy the riverside walk and cycleway safely.

The move follows several pilot schemes in Belfast designed to seize the chance for change created by lower traffic levels due to the coronavirus lockdown.

“I am committed to changing the way we live for the better, providing safe routes that give people the freedom and confidence to walk and cycle as part of their everyday routine,” Ms Mallon said.

"On Queen’s Quay, we will be widening the cycle path within both the council staff car park and the public car park to improve segregation between people walking and cycling. Along Foyle Embankment from Harbour Square Roundabout to Foyleside Roundabout, a traffic lane will be converted to a two-way pop-up cycle lane."

There are also plans to erect advisory signage at the Peace Bridge to help pedestrians and cyclists maintain appropriate distances.

"Now is the time to be bold and to be ambitious. I know the people of the north west have waited a long time to see change and I am determined to deliver it in partnership with council and communities,” Ms Mallon said.

Derry mayor, Brian Tierney described the plans as “creative and innovative”.