Criticism over installation of cycle stand

Seymour Dougan, who runs one of Lisburn’s longest established businesses, was unhappy when Roads Service erected a cycle stand outside his store without any form of consultation.

“People are struggling to get past the cycle stand, especially if they are in a wheelchair or have a pram or buggy with them,” explained Mr Dougan.

“There was no consultation before the stand was installed and it seems like utter stupidity to me. The cycle lane is on the opposite side of the road. I think this is ridiculous and there is little justification for it but it seems like we will just have to live with it.”

Responding to Mr Dougan’s concerns, a spokesperson for the Department for Regional Development said: “TransportNI provided the cycle stand as part of a programme to improve facilities for cyclists. As a result of the concern raised the Department will now review of the location.”

In the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan, the Department of Regional Development said: “Cycle parking is a fundamental element of any cycling strategy.

“There is currently very little in the way of formal cycle parking in the main urban centres. It is proposed that cycle stands are provided to serve the main trip attractors in and around the main urban centres including rail stations and major bus stop locations.”