Councillors Chris McCracken and Alex Harbinson, commenting on the recently developed delivery plan by the Department for Infrastructure, have called upon DfI to show more ambition for active travel, including greater opportunities for people to travel into Bangor City Centre and improved integration with existing public transport networks. 

The Active Travel Delivery Plan, which is currently open for consultation, has highlighted DfI's plans to develop new infrastructure for walking, wheeling, and cycling across the borough. 

Commenting on the plan Councillor Chris McCracken said: "The greater prioritisation of active travel by DFI is welcome. However, the proposal to build just 5km of protected routes on the outskirts of Bangor over the next 10 years is underwhelming, and lacks the ambition we need to see."

"To achieve our climate goals in Northern Ireland, and to improve the health of our society, we need to further expand opportunities for active travel in our towns and cities. I would particularly like to see more routes leading into Bangor City Centre, as well as routes to better connect our residential communities with schools, workplaces, shops, buses and trains."

Councillor Alex Harbinson went on further to comment: "I welcome DFI's proposed design principles for active travel, which include high quality infrastructure and the creation of people centred places. One third of journeys are less than two miles and supporting active travel for shorter journeys will deliver many social, environmental, economic and health benefits."

Councillor McCracken concluded "The Alliance Party aims to engage with the Department around the delivery of active travel and to encourage greater ambition for Bangor City Centre. I would also encourage members of the community to respond to the DFI consultation, which closes in late February, and to demand better."