RESIDENTS in north Belfast have joined together to launch a campaign to promote and support better cycling infrastructure.
The North Belfast Cycle Campaign was formed after Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon announced a cycle route would be developed on the Cavehill Road and Limestone Road.
The group wants "safe, well-integrated cycle lanes" and connections to the city centre as well as promoting the benefits of active travel.
Clare Moore, one of the founders, has been advocating for better cycling infrastructure for 30 years.
"If you compare cycling infrastructure in north Belfast to say south or east we are really under-served," she said.
"We want to correct that and believe it will help regenerate and improve this part of the city.
"The way our roads are structured at the minute means it puts people in competition - drivers in competition with cyclists, and cyclists in competition with walkers. That's just really unfortunate.
"Protected cycling infrastructure is necessary so people can take their first journey to the shops on bike."
Ms Moore said a cycle lane on the Limestone and Cavehill Roads would be a "key route into the city centre for school-children, commuters and shoppers".
"We really want to see this built and support people to travel by bike which will have all sorts of benefits for our health and the environment," she added.
The group met Ms Mallon, who said she was "keen that more groups that advocate for cycling and active travel generally set up around the city to help promote and push the message of the benefits of walking, wheeling and cycling".
"Groups such as this, can also be of great support to people who are willing to consider leaving the car at home and becoming active on their daily journey," she said.
