Robinson saddles up for sustainable travel and city regeneration

First Minister, the Rt Hon Peter Robinson MLA, today showed support for the economic benefits of sustainable travel and the regeneration of our cities. 

The First Minister took part in the ‘Cycle to the City’ Comber ride as part of the 15th Anniversary of the National Cycle Network event.

Following his journey, Mr Robinson said: "In taking forward the regeneration of our towns and cities, we need to support our investment in transport with measures to reduce car dependence and promote more sustainable alternatives including walking and cycling."

Recognising the importance of sustainable travel to the local economy, he added: "The availability of walking and cycling infrastructure is a key issue and facilitating increased levels of walking and cycling is not only good for the environment and our health, but it can also play an important role in attracting high value businesses to local areas and investment in our economy."

The 15th Anniversary of the National Cycle Network ‘event was organised by Sustrans at the Titanic Quarter, Belfast. 

Sustrans organised four ‘Cycling to the City’ from four outer city areas of Newtownabbey, Lisburn, Comber and Bangor to celebrate the 15th Anniversary of the National Cycle Network. 

The event, sponsored by the Travelwise scheme as part of the European Mobility Week/Travelwise Week, raises the profile of cycling as a sustainable travel choice, helping people to Travel Smarter, Live Better.

Notes to editors:

1. National Cycle Network is a network of traffic-free greenways, quiet lanes and on-road walking and cycling routs extending 810 miles across Northern Ireland, including the Comber Greenway, the Lagan Towpath and the Newtownabbey Way. The sponsored rides are to raise funds to further develop the National Cycle Network.

2. Sustrans is a charity that assists in enabling people to travel by foot, bicycle or public transport encouraging encouraging people to make smarter travel choices.

3. Pictures being issued by Harrison photography on behalf of Sustrans tel: 028 9066 3100

4. Media queries to OFMDFM Press Office 028 9037 9082. Out of hours contact pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.