We are working in Northern Ireland to ensure local authorities deliver policies and projects that enable more people to walk, cycle and reduce car dependency.
Sustrans and other cycling campaigners have called for a two-way protected cycle path along Chichester Street to provide a safe route for all.
Climate Crisis
We support a Climate Change Bill for Northern Ireland and believe sustainable transport has a vital role to play in tackling this crisis. We are members of the Climate Coalition NI which is campaigning for the Private Members Bill going through the NI Assembly. We also responded in February 2021 to DAERA’s Climate Change Discussion paper.
Air Quality
We know that poor air quality is damaging our health and the environment. In N. Ireland road transport contributes 26% of all NO2 emissions, mostly from passenger cars.
These emissions are concentrated on our roads in urban areas close to homes, schools and shops. We responded in February 2021 to DAERA’s Clean Air Strategy Discussion document. We also are part of Belfast City Council’s Air Quality Steering Group which is publishing its next 5 Year Plan.
Belfast Bicycle Network Plan
We have been working to influence the Belfast Bicycle Network Plan, which the Department for Infrastructure is expected to publish in Spring 2021. We have argued for more protected cycle lanes along arterial routes to form a safe, joined-up network.
Bike Life Belfast
Sustrans works with city partners across the UK and the Republic of Ireland to examine cycling infrastructure, travel behaviour and new initiatives. The reports, published every two years, provide evidence to justify policy decisions and investment in cycling.
We are working on the 2021 reports for both Belfast and the Dublin Metropolitan Area, which have been extended to include walking.
Streets for everyone: Pop-up cycle lane on Dublin Road in central Belfast
Sustrans calls for safe routes to schools in Northern Ireland
New Energy Strategy for Northern Ireland
The Department for the Economy is developing a new Energy Strategy to replace the existing Strategic Energy Framework. Sustrans responded to the Department’s Call for Evidence, specifically on the Transport chapter.
- Read the Energy Strategy document and see our response.
Northern Ireland's Environment Strategy
Northern Ireland is consulting on its first-ever Environment Strategy, with the Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs (DAERA) seeking views from a wide range of stakeholders.
- Read the full Environment Strategy consultation and our response.
Northern Ireland Assembly
Our overall policy work is to ensure the Northern Ireland Assembly delivers policies and projects that make it easier for more people to walk and cycle.
We want to see safe routes to schools, safer joined-up cycle networks and better planning to encourage more people to travel actively.
Did you know you can contact your local Assembly Member about sustainable transport issues?
