‘Share, Respect, Enjoy’ call for the Comber Greenway

The Comber Greenway was recently listed by the Daily Telegraph as one of the best cycling routes in the UK.

 

The seven-mile traffic-free route from the heart of Belfast to Comber has been rising in popularity in recent years. There are now over a thousand miles of National Cycle Network (NCN) in Northern Ireland which are enjoyed by many different users, from cyclists and joggers to dog walkers and families.

 

There are times, however, when the greenway is busier than others and the limited space means it can be difficult to share which can lead to complaints from different users.

 

In order to improve everyone’s experience of the Comber Greenway, the three Councils through which the route traverses – Ards and North Down, Belfast City, and Lisburn & Castlereagh City Councils – have joined forces with the, landowner, the Department for Infrastructure to fund a pilot project. The One Path Initiative is being delivered by Sustrans, the walking and cycling charity, to encourage better relations between path users.

 

A series of focus groups have been held through June and July to examine the issues. The next step is a series of nine engagement activities across the three Council areas to engage with various path users about being considerate of others and take on board the ‘Share, Respect, Enjoy’ message.

 

Activities will include:

 

Issues about conflict on greenways occur across the UK and have led to some councils painting lines on the path or erecting signage which has had little effect.

 

Rachael Ludlow-Williams, from Sustrans explained: “The principle behind the initiative is to create a positive culture for everyone to ‘share, respect and enjoy’ the path. We have learned a lot through giving people a forum to discuss the issues such as speeding cyclists and dogs off lead. We know the vast majority of people want to share the path and that’s what we want to encourage.”

 

Andrew Grieve, Head of the Cycling Unit in the Department for Infrastructure said: “The One Path Initiative emphasises the shared responsibility of everyone who uses our greenways to do so with care, courtesy and consideration for each other. It fits in with the Department’s Bicycle Strategy and will increase the enjoyment of the greenway for everyone.”

 

Belfast Lord Mayor, Brian Kingston said: “It is about respect for others and working together to ensure everyone is a little more considerate of the environment around us - the path is for us all to enjoy because the Greenway is a wonderful asset.”

 

Deputy Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Bill Keery, welcomed the project:

“The Comber Greenway is a fabulous community asset and the Council is delighted to be part of a project that will ensure that all path users can enjoy the shared space.”

 

Chairman of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Leisure & Community Development Committee, Councillor Tim Morrow said: “I am delighted that the Council can contribute to the One Path Initiative and we will endeavour to support the upcoming activities organised to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to utilise and enjoy the Comber Greenway in a safe and respectful way.”

 

To find out more contact Rachael at Sustrans on 028 90434569 or see the website www.sustrans.org.uk/northern-ireland

 

For further information/ interviews contact Anne Madden, Sustrans N. Ireland on 028 90434569/ 07826 556416 anne.madden@sustrans.org.uk or alternatively the UK Press Office on 0207 780 7231 or press@sustrans.org.uk