The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) is grappling with significant hurdles in achieving the active travel spending goals set by law, a concern echoed by numerous advocacy organizations.
According to the Climate Act of 2022, the DfI must designate at least 10% of its yearly budget to active travel projects by 2030.
This requirement translates to an annual investment exceeding £80 million, while the department currently allocates roughly £12 million each year.
Challenges in Active Travel Funding
In light of these challenges, the DfI has reassured the public of its intention to ramp up funding in order to meet the mandates of the Climate Change Act.
Unfortunately, when comparing spending, Northern Ireland falls short both of other regions within the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
Supporting active travel is paramount; it involves building infrastructure that not only encourages walking and cycling but also contributes to reducing carbon emissions.
Meghan Hoyt from the Belfast Cycle Campaign has voiced her concern regarding the limited active travel initiatives available, which can stifle hope for real change.
She argues that collaboration among advocacy groups might be essential in driving change through legal means.
Likewise, Declan Allison from Friends of the Earth pointed out that legal action could be an effective strategy, especially since some deadlines have already slipped by without any significant progress.
Current Infrastructure and Investments
A report by Sustrans, an organization focused on promoting active travel, reveals that Belfast has a mere two miles of protected bike lanes.
These lanes are crucial as they provide safe environments for cyclists, ensuring physical separation from motor vehicles.
In a recent initiative, the DfI announced a £580,000 project aimed at improving pedestrian and bicycle access to Stranmillis Embankment, sparking further discussions about the necessity of enhancing both existing infrastructure and the establishment of new cycling routes.
Stephen McNally from the Cycul campaign underscored that Belfast lags behind cities like Dublin and other European counterparts in advancing active travel efforts.
He expressed disappointment that since the Belfast Bicycle Network delivery plan was launched in 2022, visible progress has been minimal.
However, the DfI contends that substantial headway has indeed been made since the plan’s rollout.
Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd had previously initiated a consultation regarding the active travel delivery plan, promising a £200 million investment over a decade to support active transport initiatives across Northern Ireland.
Nevertheless, McNally expressed frustration regarding the slow pace of project implementation, suggesting that hesitation in decision-making is hindering progress.
The Call for Change
Concerns are growing about how effectively the allocated funds are being used, particularly when projects focus merely on resurfacing roads without establishing proper connections to important destinations.
Some of the budget appears to fund initiatives that simply add cycle lanes without meaningful improvements, a lack of advancement that many advocates find troubling.
As congestion becomes an ongoing challenge for Belfast commuters, advocacy groups are calling on the DfI to pursue bold actions in enhancing active travel infrastructure.
Andrew McClean from Cycling UK pointed out that proposed active travel solutions often target politically convenient locales rather than areas where they would be most beneficial.
The push for decisive political action aims to transform Belfast into a vibrant hub for active travel.
Optimism remains as the community rallies for a future where active travel thrives, encouraging healthier and greener living conditions.
Source: BBC