Cyclists are upset with a “hidden” consultation allowing taxis extended bus lane access, citing safety risks.
Before Christmas, taxis could use some bus lanes. This tried to ease city traffic. The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) planned a follow-up scheme, and a consultation ran from January 14 to February 5.
Campaigners say this hurts cyclists because bus lanes become unsafe for them. The city lacks cycle lanes, so many cyclists must use bus lanes.
Etain O’Kane spoke to Belfast Live and said cycling is “dangerous” there. She fears taxis in bus lanes set a bad precedent. Safe cycling infrastructure is scarce, and Etain is worried about safety. Cars are bigger now, she says, but laws haven’t kept pace.
She lives in an underserved area and plans routes based on safety. Cycling makes her anxious, not just tired. She says cyclists aren’t anti-car; she wants safer infrastructure for Belfast, ensuring everyone can get around safely.
She feels the DfI consultation lacked advertising, and her group thinks the DfI hoped it would pass quietly. This makes them doubt the government’s commitment. The consultation seemed disconnected and didn’t focus on safe travel around the city.
No data shows taxis improve congestion, she says. She feels this move favored businesses and didn’t prioritize people getting around. She sees lots of empty promises on safe travel. More taxis in bus lanes worry her, as she may drive instead of cycle, which would add to city congestion.
Allowing taxis sets a precedent. She thinks it reverses progress for active travel, and she questions DfI’s commitment to change.
Alliance MLA Peter McReynolds shared concerns. He spoke at a Stormont Infrastructure Committee meeting and noted that the taxi decision happened before Christmas. He doubted taxis help bus lanes since no data exists from December.
The consultation seemed rushed and quiet, and he questioned DfI’s intentions. Taxis endanger cyclists, he stated, and this confuses drivers and discourages public transport. He urged the Minister to reverse the plan and told people to complete the consultation.
A DfI spokesperson responded, saying the taxi plan eased traffic and that a follow-up scheme was always planned. Information appeared online in January, and the consultation lasted 22 days. The Department got feedback and is prepping a report for consideration by Minister Kimmins.
The follow-up checks benefits and impacts. It checks the benefits of extra taxi access to bus lanes, informing future policy decisions.