Belfast Walking and Cycling Index

Formerly known as Bike Life, this is the UK's biggest ever study of walking, wheeling and cycling.

This report provides us with a sense of the infrastructure improvements needed to help create a sustainable, liveable city, where people and businesses thrive.

Every year, walking and cycling in Belfast results in:

723

serious long-term health conditions prevented

£207.9 million

in economic benefit for individuals and the region

12,000 tonnes

of greenhouse gas emissions saved

Icon of navy car.

Up to 77,000

cars taken off the road every day

Richard smiling with his two children sitting in a cargo bike trailer

Richard Corr, Physiotherapist and cargo bike user

The greenways and bus lanes were a very big influence on where we bought our house. The Comber Greenway and Lagan towpath have made a huge difference to how I commute.

I travel with my two young children, dropping them off at nursery on my way to the Royal. I find I can cross the city and feel relatively safe.

I find the cars take more notice of you when they see you cycling with children in the trailer.

  

Belfast wants more investment in walking, wheeling and cycling

In Belfast, 54% of residents walk five or more days a week.

This compares to 44% of people who drive, 7% who use public transport and just 4% who cycle at least five or more days each week.

Just 57% of disabled people feel welcome when walking or wheeling in their neighbourhood in Belfast.

Banning pavement parking would help 73% of all residents to walk or wheel more, and 77% of residents think wider pavements would encourage them to do so.
 

Belfast Walking and Cycling Index report front cover

Download the Belfast Walking and Cycling Index

See Belfast's vision for walking, wheeling and cycling.

Download the report.

This report is also available in a text-only format.

  

Belfast through the years

This is the fourth time we've collaborated with the Department for Infrastructure of Northern Ireland to survey cycling in the city. Download our previous reports:

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