Cycling enthusiasts participated in the return of the 'Ride On Belfast' initiative this morning as part of the city's annual Bike Week schedule. Funded by Belfast City Council and coordinated by the organisation Cycul, the event aims to bring individuals together in an inclusive environment while demonstrating the role of active travel in developing a healthier, more connected, and environmentally friendly city.

The community ride accommodated cyclists of all abilities, charting a route from Queen's University through the city centre before concluding at City Hall.

The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly, was present at City Hall to greet the arriving participants.

She said: "It's fantastic to see so many people choosing to leave the car at home today and choose cycling as an alternative to their daily commute.

"This is a great opportunity to encourage more people to experience the benefits of cycling, whether for everyday journeys, leisure or simply exploring the city. Events like Ride On Belfast showcase how cycling can contribute to a healthier, greener and more connected Belfast, and highlights just how easy it is to travel around our city on two wheels. "Belfast is perfectly suited to cycling. As a compact city that's easy to navigate on foot or by bike. And, as we prepare to welcome thousands of visitors for the upcoming Fleadh, we will be encouraging people to consider cycling as a convenient way to travel around the city, so they travel at their own pace and help keep the city moving."

Stephen McNally from Cycul, one of the event organisers, commented: "We're delighted to bring Ride On Belfast back to City Hall today.

"Today is the one day in the year when people can experience what it's like cycling to work in a city where cycling is given priority. Not only is it fun, but it's an effective, efficient and healthy way of travelling in the city.

"We hope this persuades not only more people to embrace the simplicity of cycling to work, but also persuades politicians and transport planners to make this an everyday experience – not just one day in the year."

Ride On Belfast forms part of a broader suite of schemes and events overseen by Belfast City Council to increase local engagement with walking and cycling. This includes 'The Bolder Vision for Belfast' strategy, which is being delivered alongside the Department for Communities and the Department for Infrastructure. The strategy focuses on prioritising public transport, walking, and cycling networks within the city centre to enhance public spaces and strengthen connections with surrounding neighbourhoods.

Further details regarding the local authority's active travel initiatives can be found at belfastcity.gov.uk/activetravel.