To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on active travel plans for the South Belfast constituency, with particular reference to cycle routes linking the Cairnshill Park and Ride facility to the city centre.

It is my ambition to create more opportunities for active travel and make our roads safer for those who want to walk, wheel and cycle. The Member will be aware of the work that my Department has undertaken to develop several pop-up cycle lanes in Belfast, including one on Dublin Road in South Belfast. I am keen to develop more connections to destinations that will encourage cycling for many of the short journeys we all take on a daily basis.

My Department is also discussing opportunities with Belfast City Council, the Department for Communities and Universities to develop further opportunities as they arise, to help promote active travel and support the transformation of communities. Work has also started on a new toucan crossing on Ormeau Embankment close to the Ozone Complex. This crossing will connect to the proposed Lagan Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge which is part of the City Deal.

I plan to publish the Belfast Cycling Network after Easter and this will build on the proposals published in the draft Belfast Bicycle Network in January 2017 which included a proposed route from Cairnshill Park and Ride to Belfast city centre.