Menu
18/01/2017
Alliance Opposes Plans To Cut Belfast Bike Scheme
The Alliance Party has opposed cuts to the Belfast Bike scheme.
Plans have been put forward to change the current arrangements of the first 30 minutes being free reduced to 15 minutes.
However, Group Leader Michael Long said it would only result in an annual saving of £15,000 when implemented with other new measures.
He said: "Alliance has been hugely supportive of it and we would like to see it expanded into suburban areas as well as the current more central locations. We were therefore disappointed when Councillors from all the other parties on the Committee supported calls to reduce the free usage period from 30 minutes to 15 minutes.
"We believe this will result in reduced usage of the bikes and so jeopardise the success of the scheme. The free usage periods in other cities in these islands is usually 30 minutes in length and we don't see why we should be different. The reason given by others is it will save money but £15,000 is hardly a large amount in relation to a budget of £150 million especially when there are obvious health and environmental benefits.
"We will be opposing the proposal in the next few weeks leading up to the rates being set and would encourage those in other parties to think again."
(CD/MH)
Plans have been put forward to change the current arrangements of the first 30 minutes being free reduced to 15 minutes.
However, Group Leader Michael Long said it would only result in an annual saving of £15,000 when implemented with other new measures.
He said: "Alliance has been hugely supportive of it and we would like to see it expanded into suburban areas as well as the current more central locations. We were therefore disappointed when Councillors from all the other parties on the Committee supported calls to reduce the free usage period from 30 minutes to 15 minutes.
"We believe this will result in reduced usage of the bikes and so jeopardise the success of the scheme. The free usage periods in other cities in these islands is usually 30 minutes in length and we don't see why we should be different. The reason given by others is it will save money but £15,000 is hardly a large amount in relation to a budget of £150 million especially when there are obvious health and environmental benefits.
"We will be opposing the proposal in the next few weeks leading up to the rates being set and would encourage those in other parties to think again."
(CD/MH)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 March 2024
Alliance Calls For Commitment To Support NI's Sports Bodies
The Alliance Party has called on the Communities Minister to make a commitment to support sports bodies in the upcoming Budget before jobs are lost. Strangford MLA and Communities spokesperson, Kellie Armstrong, made the call after hosting an Assembly event on building a united community through sport.
Alliance Calls For Commitment To Support NI's Sports Bodies
The Alliance Party has called on the Communities Minister to make a commitment to support sports bodies in the upcoming Budget before jobs are lost. Strangford MLA and Communities spokesperson, Kellie Armstrong, made the call after hosting an Assembly event on building a united community through sport.
20 March 2024
Alliance Warns NI's GP Surgeries Are At 'Breaking Point'
Northern Ireland's GP surgeries are at "breaking point", Alliance Health spokesperson Danny Donnelly MLA has said, in response to a newly published NI Audit Office report.
Alliance Warns NI's GP Surgeries Are At 'Breaking Point'
Northern Ireland's GP surgeries are at "breaking point", Alliance Health spokesperson Danny Donnelly MLA has said, in response to a newly published NI Audit Office report.
14 March 2024
Alliance Calls For Action To Protect Young People Online
The Alliance Party has called for action to help young people faced with blackmail or similar situations online.
Alliance Calls For Action To Protect Young People Online
The Alliance Party has called for action to help young people faced with blackmail or similar situations online.
26 January 2024
Alliance Urges People To Respond To Obesity Care Consultations
Highlighting a growth in childhood obesity during the pandemic, the Alliance Party has urged as many people as possible to respond to a Department of Health consultation on a Regional Obesity Management Service and Framework to Prevent Harm.
Alliance Urges People To Respond To Obesity Care Consultations
Highlighting a growth in childhood obesity during the pandemic, the Alliance Party has urged as many people as possible to respond to a Department of Health consultation on a Regional Obesity Management Service and Framework to Prevent Harm.
24 January 2024
Alliance Calls For Urgent Reform Of NI Dementia Care
The Alliance Party has called for dementia treatment in Northern Ireland to be urgently reformed and updated to capture new breakthroughs arising from research.
Alliance Calls For Urgent Reform Of NI Dementia Care
The Alliance Party has called for dementia treatment in Northern Ireland to be urgently reformed and updated to capture new breakthroughs arising from research.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A dry day with long spells of sunshine for most, however eastern coasts will see rather more in the way of cloud at times, with just the risk of an odd light morning shower. Mainly light northerly winds. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:A fine end to the day with some evening sunshine. It remains dry overnight with a touch of frost possible in places, although cloud is expected to increase towards dawn. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
