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Date: 13 June 2025
Over 100 cyclists took to the streets of Belfast today (Friday 13 June) to highlight the benefits of commuting by bike as part of the annual Ride On Belfast event.
Funded by Belfast City Council and organised by Cycul, the event encourages people to swap four wheels for two to reduce journey times and boost wellbeing.
Today’s peloton began at Queen’s University, where cyclists of all levels came together for a community ride before finishing at City Hall for refreshments, bike maintenance support and active travel information from local organisations.
Welcoming cyclists into the grounds, Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Paul Doherty, said: “Well done to those who came along today during Bike Week to highlight the many positives of choosing cycling an alternative to commuting by car.
“Our council is working hard to encourage and facilitate more active travel across Belfast, because it improves air quality, cuts congestion and creates a healthier city.
“Routes like the Forth Meadow Community Greenway and the Connswater Community Greenway, along with the Lagan Towpath and the North Foreshore, all offer traffic-free alternatives into the city centre and we’re pleased to have invested in these projects to make it easier for people to consider cycling as a viable alternative.
“Events like Ride On Belfast highlight how cities can thrive when walking and cycling are given priority. It’s healthy, fun and informative and I hope it encourages others to re-consider their usual journey and to think about whether cycling could be achievable for them too.”
Stephen McNally from Cycul, one of the organisers of today’s event, said: “We’re delighted to see so many people participating in this year’s event. We welcomed seasoned and new cycling commuters along with families utilising cargo bikes for the school run at the event today.
“Ride on Belfast 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, 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 is among a wide range of events and initiatives delivered by Belfast City Council to boost participation in cycling and support more walking and cycling across the city.
The Bolder Vision for Belfast strategy, developed with the Department for Communities and the Department for Infrastructure, is prioritising walking, cycling and public transport in the city centre to create more space for people and better connect with local communities.
Projects like Under the Bridges, along with the Belfast Waterfront Framework, will develop new active travel infrastructure from the Sailortown/City Quays area and across the wider River Lagan area, while new e-bikes will be added to the Belfast Bikes fleet later this year for the first time when a new operator, Beryl Bikes, takes over the running of the city’s public bike hire scheme.
Recent inclusive cycling events have also taken place in Ormeau Park, with over 200 users trying out a range of free inclusive cycling equipment for all abilities.
During the spring, 150 children took part in free ‘learn to cycle’ events at community centres city-wide, with more similar activities planned for this summer.
Further details will be added to belfastcity.gov.uk/events and the council’s social media channels once confirmed.
For more on the council’s support for active travel, visit belfastcity.gov.uk/activetravel