Suchergebnisse

Active travel infrastructure in Belfast lags behind most European cities. This problem has been highlighted by academics, administrators and politicians. Despite the recent change in discourse in politics and the media, due to the climate breakdown, pollution and road safety, there has been virtually no change in the infrastructure that supports car dependency in Belfast. Only 25% of people walk to work, while only 2% cycle; 19% of primary school kids walk to school, while only 1% cycle; 17% of kids walk to post primary schools while none of them cycle. These are not just numbers. They reflect a way of life that hinders the health and wellbeing of people across our city. While we believe that the Department for Infrastructure should be championing the transformation of modes of transport to favour active travel, we understand that this needs to be supported by research. We also believe that this needs to be done one road at a time, to build a network that will be effective and safe to foster the change in travel modes in Belfast. Our team spent close to one year in a research and engagement exercise to measure travel modes in Botanic Avenue and to assess the difference between perceptions of cycling, walking and driving among local residents, visitors, businesses and organisations. Echoing similar research carried out around the world, we observed that that while local businesses believe that about 70% of their visitors arrive by private car, only 20% actually do so, while all others arrive by foot, bike and public transport. We also found that there are on average approximately ten times more pedestrians passing through the Botanic Avenue area than cars parked on the street. Moreover, there is an overwhelming majority of respondents surveyed that want a transformation of Botanic Avenue in terms of walking, sitting and dining space. This report presents the results of this research, and points to a recommended way ahead. Other research projects at Queen's are investigating the reasons behind car dependency in Belfast, while the Minister for Infrastructure announces 'car free' Sundays. The next natural step will be for the Department for Infrastructure to implement a trial cycle lane in Botanic Avenue. This will allow us to continue the a collaborative research project by engaging with stakeholders to assess their reactions to the changes in infrastructure. We believe that this joint approach would bring a better, healthier, more liveable, accessible and inclusive Botanic Avenue for the future.