East Londonderry MLA Maurice Bradley says he is hopeful that his constituency can benefit from an initiative announced by Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon to appoint a new walking and cycling champion.
“As one of Northern Ireland’s premier tourist areas I would be hopeful that our local Council can avail of some funding to enhance and make our area a better place for walking and cycling when we come out of this pandemic.
“So many people have been using their permitted exercise time to walk and cycle during lock down, so it is important to keep this going when we get to the other side of Covid-19, said Bradley.
“Anything that encourages exercise and good mental health must be welcomed.”
In a statement to the Assembly on Tuesday, Minister Mallon told MLAs:
“Our champion will ensure that we deliver our commitment to increase the percentage of journeys made by walking and cycling. Inspiring our communities, restructuring our spaces, changing forever the way we live – and changing it for the better.
“As the Executive looks this week to review the lockdown – we all need to be looking ahead – out of the darkness of this pandemic and into a better world that we need to build for ourselves. Greener, cleaner, healthier and happier people and places must be our aim as we learn to live with this new normal during and after Covid-19.”
