The CIVINET for the UK and Ireland held a cycling conference entitled ‘On the Move’ on 30 April 2015 in Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland (United Kingdom).
The CIVINET for the UK and Ireland held a cycling conference entitled ‘On the Move’ on 30 April 2015 in Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland (United Kingdom). Hosted by Belfast City Council at City Hall, the event focused on cycling hire, and also explored cycling strategy development and practical delivery of cycling measures. It also addressed the role of cycling and sustainable transport in urban regeneration.
Around 60 delegates from stakeholders such as local authorities, government departments, voluntary organisations and academia were in attendance. A representative from the Northern Ireland Executive reviewed the country’s new cycling strategy. Participants heard case studies of cycle hire schemes from Bath and Belfast (United Kingdom) as well as in Dublin (Ireland). The European dimension was added through the presentation of a cycling case study in Ghent (Belgium), an introduction to the CIVINET concept and general advice for securing EU funding for cycling projects.
The event coincided with the launch of Belfast Bikes, the city’s new public bicycle hire scheme. The delegates took the opportunity to go on a guided cycle tour through the city and along the River Lagan after the event. It attracted local television coverage including an interview with the CIVINET’s National Network Manager Chris Hadfield, from Lancashire County Council. Speaking about the event, delegates commented that, “CIVINET is [a] very valuable network to learn what’s going on and share knowledge and skills” and, “public bike hire schemes have real potential for change”.
View some photos from the event below.
